CA wont stay running

Randy52 · May 26, 2022

I have restored several tractors over the years. Never had a problem like I have. I bought a Allis chalmers CA which sat for 10 years. Put new points, plugs, condensor in it. Poured gas in tank and new battery started right up ran beautiful. Took the new distbutor cap and wires off to paint it. Painted the tractor put the new parts back on now tractor wont run. Have got spark , go gas flow to carb. Rebuilt carb tractor starts runs a few seconds and shuts down. Tried another carb same thing. Any ideas?

Randy Gann · May 26, 2022

How long did you test the gas flow from the tank to the carb? Make sure you get good strong continuous flow of gas. I had trash in my tank and flow seemed good then would just stop. Stirring the tank would give a little gas it would run until the trash settled and blocked the flow again.

Randy52 · May 27, 2022

Tank was cleaned before being painted

K5lwq · May 27, 2022

I would see if I could keep it running on carb cleaner then go from there. Need to confirm fuel problem or something else.

Paystar · May 27, 2022

Awesome Randy52. I have a 55 CA, but it don't look as good as yours. I want to have it restored but haven't had the time yet, now can I find anyone in my area to do it.

DonRybak · May 27, 2022

Randy, that is one beautiful tractor. Not an expert here but I remember from back it the days before electronic ignitions, distributors had a ballast resistor to drop the voltage to the points after the ignition switch was moved from start back to run to prevent burning the points. Is it possible that when you painted the tractor that resistor was removed and not put back? If you are checking for spark during the starting procedure that resistor would be bypassed. Can you add something like a small funnel and fuel line to the fuel intake at the carb as a fuel supply. If the tractor runs then using gravity verses the fuel pump that would eliminate it being a fuel supply issue.

Randy52 · May 28, 2022

I have restored several over the years never a problem like this. Everyone would come to me if their Allis didnt run. I am stumped. Tried 3rd carb yesterday same results. Check fuel flow again, lots of fuel. Distubotor was protected when painted. Going to remove gas tank and check for obstruction.

K5lwq · May 28, 2022

I would try carb cleaner before going through the trouble of removing the tank. If it is a fuel problem you will be able to keep it running on carb cleaner. If you can’t it is fire or compression problem. My bet is fire.

stuckmotor · May 28, 2022

I keep seeing the title and thinking California won't stay running.

Randy52 · May 30, 2022

Remved the tank it wasnt at all dirty, removed setiment bowel screen was clean, blowed out fuel line. Replaced intake gasket, tried 3rd carb I have here. Tries to start but shuts off.