My highschool auto shop teacher always said that all an engine in decent shape needs to start are:
- Spin (it must crank over sufficiently fast)
- Spark (assuming it is not a diesel)
- Spirit (i.e. fuel or some sort of combustible stuff sprayed or sucked into the combustion chamber).
So, the first things I would do are the simple ones (and yes, I know some of these are sort of
duhhhhh....):
- Check that the kill switch is in the "RUN" position
- Check that the fuel petcock is turned to the "ON" or "RES" position (depending on the fuel level. If the tank is very low - use "RES" or "reserve" which means the petcock lever will point straight up)
- Check that the enricher lever on the LH carburettor is pushed down (some people call this a choke - but it isn't really a choke but rather a special fuel flow circuit that introduces extra fuel into the intake to help with cold starting)
- Check for a spark.
Oh - and one more thing: remove the fuel tank FIRST and make sure that the connectors to the ignition coils are all secure. Those old "bullet" connectors can get loose after 30-40+ years.
To check for a spark, follow these steps:
- remove either spark plug (and do not strip the threads when re-installing);
- lay the thick metal body of the plug firmly against the cylinder head;
- turn the garage lights off (so that any spark will be more visible);
- crank the engine.
If there
is a visible spark, then you have a fueling problem and if there
is no spark then you have an electrical problem (along, quite possibly, with a fueling problem).
You'd be amazed at how many people try to start an engine with the kill switch
OFF or the fuel turned
OFF - or
no fuel in the tank. I've tried all of those things and I have consistently noted that the engine darned-well will NOT start - for some $%##@## reason.
Do all of that and report back - and we'll have a think about it.
Pete