Y69 will not start.

First off let me say hello as a new poster, but lurker here. I have a Y69 engine off a baler I am trying to get running to power something else. I got this as a non running but free turning unit. I have done everything according to the L-head manual in my quest. I have overhauled carb,(draws good) checked Mag for spark, (zaps me) adjusted valves, set timing on gears for mag, replaced all tune up items, etc. All settings were done with #4 on TDC per manual. I have compression & suction in all cylinders, ( finger on plug hole test). Also cleaned out restricted int/exh manifold, pulled head to check & replaced gasket. I"m still not quite sure on the timing gear to mag drive gear setting. When I took this apart I found the marked teeth off by one tooth. Manual says to align the one cam gear marked tooth between the two mag gear marked teeth. Now when I crank the engine over, watching DC on flywheel, #4 fires just after TDC. I think this may be my problem as I think it should fire directly on TDC. Could this be why the cam/mag gear was originally set off a tooth?
I am tired of cranking this with no signs of life.
Could someone please offer opinions or help solve this problem.

Thanks in advance folks
Kim Haws
Omaha, Ne.

If this post belongs in stationary forum, moderator please move it.

Try useing number one cyl for settings. spark timeing

Do you have the manual for this unit? Does it tell you to time on #4?
Is this an IH engine? Is it a Continental engine used on a baler--combine?? Pictures??

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quote="Brownie 450"](reply to post at 16:30:08 07/09/12) [/quote]

This is a Continental Y69 engine off an IH baler. I have followed the manual. It does state to time off #4.

If that Y-69 Continental engine is off an IH Model 55 baler, I would be interested in everything but the engine. email is open. Send pictures and price. Omaha is kind of a long haul though. Thanks.

What cylinder are are you calling # 1? Should be cylinder at fan end of engine which would be the front of the engine. Also could your disturter be 180 degrees off? Also the only sure (and safe) way to check compression is with a compression tester. Armand

It need too fire on TDC not after

Many people get confused with TDC - remember there's a top at the exhaust stroke, and a top on the compression stroke.

So you want it to fire on the compression stroke (or immediately at the end of the compression stroke).

It's good to have it fire a degree or two after tdc - to avoid kick back, especially hand cranking. Once started, the mag goes into run mode and advances itself.

Go any further than about 5 degrees past tdc and it's going to get increasingly harder to start. You really want to be just very slightly after.

Also - just because you're getting a spark doesn't mean you're getting a good spark. If the arm in the mag is off a few degrees, you'll see a spark, it just won't be very strong. Hold a plug wire near ground - make sure it's at least 1/4" solid blue arc.

If all that checks out - try a little starting fluid. If it fires on that - you'll know you should probably focus more on the carb.

I'd also pull each plug and make sure that each one is sparking - never assume.

Well folks, after Gene's response & other advice, I moved the driven rotor gear back a tooth to get it to fire sooner, IT RUNS! This engine sat for 35 years before I got it & boy did it feel good to fill the garage with smoke. After I get it all back together I'll post a pic of what I'm doing.
Thanks again all!
Kim