1953 Cub Want Start

Gary McArdle · Jun 10, 2014

I have a 1953 Cub I've been working on, had a timing problem. It was back firing, it's not backing firing now but when you try to crank it the engine will start to turn fast like it wants to crank but never does. Could I still have a timing problem? I put #1 on top dead center and set the rotor arm on #1 tower on the distributor. Does this sound right?

El Toro · Jun 10, 2014

Did you time the No1 piston near the radiator on the compression stroke? Do a compression check and post your readings. If you have a distributor make sure you're getting battery voltage to your coil. Pull off a plug wire and hold it about 1/4" away from the plug while a helper make an attempt to start the engine. Should see a hot spark from the plug wire. Do you have your plug wires in the correct firing order on the distributor cap? Should be in this firing order. Hal

2-1
4-3 As the rotor rotates Clockwise.

Gary McArdle · Jun 11, 2014

I timed it #1 on TDC one next to radiator. I have fire to all plugs. Have plug wires as suggested. I found another timing procedure yesterday. Put #1 at TDC them put ohm meter between the wire going from the side of the distributor to the coil the other end to ground, turn the distributor until the points just open. This seem to work. The tractor started for few seconds and then quite. I'm working on fuel now.
If I can the choke set right, think it will run.
Thank you for your help!!

Gary McArdle · Jun 12, 2014

Still having problems cranking. Could this be the coil???

ken house · Jun 12, 2014

i thought that the firing order is 1-3-4-2

Gary McArdle · Jun 13, 2014

I think you are right. Thanks!!

Anonymous-0 · Jun 13, 2014

IF UNSURE ARE IN TIME,JERK OUT ALL PLUG WIRES OFF CAP.BRING FRONT PISTON TO TDC. PULL OFF DIST CAP. LOOK AT ROTOR POINTING/ PUT NO.1 PLUG WIRE IN CAP WIRE HOLE AS ROTOR POINTING TOWARD.; WIRE REST IN REGULAR FIRING ORDER AROUND THE CAP. WILL RUN.

Gary McArdle · Jun 16, 2014

I'm still not getting it cranked. I remember when I over hauled the Carb, The instructions talked about a idler tube but there was not one in the carb. There was a hole where it probably should have been but no tube. Apparently 15 yrs. ago when it was running it ran with out it. What will this effect???

evilboweivel · Jun 16, 2014

wander over to farmallcub dot com
lots of good info over there
also may need to straighten the top of the carb
good luck
Ron

mkirsch · Jun 17, 2014

It should run, but not necessarily well, without the idle tube.

That should not prevent the tractor from starting.

They often get broken when pulling the carb apart. Usually you can spin out the broken piece with a small screwdriver, and install a replacement.

Just to see if it's fuel, get yourself a can of cheap "starting fluid" (has no ether in it) and give it a spritz right into the intake of the carburetor. If it fires and runs for a second or two, you've got a fuel issue.

mkirsch · Jun 17, 2014

By the way, there is nothing so special about the Cub that normal internal combustion engine troubleshooting techniques will not work. Anybody here that can provide tips on getting an M to start can also provide tips to get a Cub to start.

The farmallcub.com site has a great bunch of guys, but I feel it is a little rude to just tell you to go over there. Getting a gasoline engine to run is hardly rocket surgery.

1953 Cub Want Start

Gary McArdle

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El Toro

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Gary McArdle

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Gary McArdle

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ken house

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Gary McArdle

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Anonymous-0

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Gary McArdle

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evilboweivel

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