51 TO30 won't start ??

[BKBrown]

Hi, I have a 51 TO30 that just won't start.
It has always used oil, but it started fine a few weeks ago.
I've changed Gas, put in new plugs, cleaned points & distributor cap, drained carb bowl, all the normal stuff.
This one has me baffled - I don't see anywhere where anything has chewed wires. Right now, I'm leaning toward a bad ignition switch.
It has the factory switch in the dash and is still 6 volt - switch turns on headlights, but shows no meter movement in just on position.
Battery is charged and starter turns engine over fine - the other possibility is ethanol gummed up carb, but I have done my best to clean that without taking it apart.
Any suggestions ???

 

[shaeff]

Test for spark. Make sure air breather is not blocked, pull the line off the carb and make sure you’ve got good gas flow.

Also make sure nobody played a trick on ya and swapped your plug wires around .

If the motor is in time with good airflow, spark, and fuel, it should fire.

 

[BKBrown]

Thanks for the reply - I'm getting air flow and fuel flow. I believe it must be the carb (darn ethanol) - I'll double check for spark, but don't believe that is the problem. We are on a dead end road with 10 acres and few people even know I have this tractor - don't believe any of them would touch it. : > } I think maybe the float in the carb is not shutting off the flow into the carb. Worst thing is it is HOT & muggy and most of the day it is not in shade where it is parked - SO, I don't work on it long at a time.

 

[BKBrown]

Well, I checked for spark - I don't seem to be getting any at all - guess I'll need to check all the connections and make sure everything is clean. The distributor cap, rotor, & points are clean. We had a great deal of heavy rain lately and I see one place on one of the Spark Plug boots that has been chewed, but have not seen anything else - I'll need to check it all closer. I don't do well in the sun with heat, so it may take some time. I also ordered a new coil (not sure if this is the factory coil from 51). Just so anyone who looks at this knows - I rescued this tractor from being pushed into the woods back a few years ago and got it running. The neighbor who owned it since 51 (purchased new) then gave it to me. It has been running until recently and would not start this time. I believe it must be something fairly simple, but need to find the problem.

 

[BKBrown]

Thanks, It ran before all the rain, so, I'm thinking short somewhere - It may be a while before I have time to Check it out good. I think I'll also make sure all the connections are clean and free of rust / corrosion before I do much else. most of my wiring is inside the split black flex wire protector (prevents some chewing). It's just strange that this Tractor has always started as long as I have good battery & now it won't.

 

[BKBrown]

OK - Changed the Points, Condenser, Rotor, Distributor Cap, Had already replaced Plugs.
ONE crank and it started right up !
The biggest problem right now is that it smokes like crazy (burning oil).
Is there anything short of a re-build that will help with that ?
Thanks !