Engine cuts then coughs and hacks before running again

I tried the rap but not the hose pinch. No joy. What IS now happening is an occasional "grab" like it's about to start, then nothing but starter. That "yellow spark" not blue tells me I may have a coil-distributor-plug issue as well.

Time me to quit for the night. I need to relax and think on the next steps.

Regards,
Tim

 

Almost sounds like vapor-lock.

 

"an occasional "grab" like it's about to start, then nothing but starter. That "yellow spark" not blue tells me I may have a coil-distributor-plug issue as well."

Tells me your dizzy needs attention.

 

Inspection of distributor shows worn/black center post and points have pitting and wear. Cap, rotor, points and condenser all ordered. Should be in tomorrow.

Cable inspection shows some wear, age and possible cracking so those are getting replaced as well. Given how cheap plugs are I've already replaced those so I'll have a clean system.

Regards,
Tim

 

I know fuel is going to carb now, but spark is weak, so getting that right is my current focus. If I still have the problem next system I'm diving into is the carb.

Regards,
Tim

 

Not yet. I do know fuel goes to the inlet, and the bowl has fuel in it. I'll check it tonight - presuming all I have to do is rotate throttle at carb and look into the throat.

Regards,
Tim

 

Stupid question: does the engine have be turning over to provide fuel pressure or will it squirt fuel just by rotating the throttle?

Regards,
Tim

 

Moving the throttle will not do what you need. The motor must be turning because the pump is driven by an arm that is in contact with the cam.

 

I'm alone so can't turn the engine over, but this is what I caught on camera just rotating the throttle.
[video]https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/RVMUKPZiK5WcgyQIB57yldMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=d irectlink[/video]

Since no gas squirted into the body, either that's my issue or the engine needs to be turning over to create pressure. I'm guessing the latter as it makes sense.

Regards,
Tim

 

For reference, working one thing at a time, I pulled the cap, rotor and points.

Cap -- center post looks burned.


Rotor -- worn on outer edge:


Points -- pitted and worn badly:


I've already replaced the condenser, as it was in stock. The cap, rotor and points should be here tomorrow.

Regards,
Tim

 

If the carburator bowl is filled with fuel, the engine does not have to be turning to
see if it is squirting fuel by moving the throttle linkage by hand.

 

Here's a link to a video; https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/v-BgvU_8706TMnSewGOpAdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=directlink

This version is while my SO was turning it over. I'm not seeing any fuel.

When I remove the fuel line to the carb fuel spills out of the bowl, and if I turn the engine over it quickly fills a jar with fuel. While I realize pressure isn't be measured, unless I misunderstand the carb the bowl should be filling with fuel.

Is there no fuel because the float/needle is stuck? Is it time to rebuild my carbeurator (sigh)?

Regards,
Tim

 

Here's the inlet side. Yes, that retaining nut is looking gnarly and needs replacing. Too many removals over last few days. It WAS leaking but now isn't.


Here's the throttle linkage side (opposite).


And in case you ask, the front/top.


Regards,
Tim