Ford 8N having trouble starting -- many troubleshooting steps take -- suggestions?

[Soundguy]

no need to mess with it in hard pouring rain in the middle of a lake. it woill only make you madder.

 

[PorkChopsMmm]

Thanks Soundguy. Wise advice.

 

[skylarkguy]

Maybe you need to add a small boat
and outboard motor to your farm.

 

[PorkChopsMmm]

After reading some other forum posts I think it is wise that I a) replace or clean the plugs and b) rebuild the carb. Just like you all have recommended.

May not be my only problem but may be a good long term thing to do. I will check the distributor first just because it is just sitting there. Should be able to get to it tomorrow night.

 

[94BULLITT]

After reading some other forum posts I think it is wise that I a) replace or clean the plugs and b) rebuild the carb. Just like you all have recommended.

May not be my only problem but may be a good long term thing to do. I will check the distributor first just because it is just sitting there. Should be able to get to it tomorrow night.

Sounds like you are on the right track.

 

[PorkChopsMmm]

Must have been flooded. Started right up tonight before I pulled the distrib. Even drove it for a bit and used the carry all. Checking timing now.

 

[Soundguy]

keep us posted.

 

[PorkChopsMmm]

Well, first things. The cork seals on the distrib were pretty wet so that may have been the cause for not starting (although I had spark?). The tarp was blowing around during all of the rain we got and it could have soaked everything.

On to the timing -- definitely out of wack per the manual. Doing the whole straight edge and pencil in the whole trick at 1/4" gap the points are closed -- manual says they need to be open at this point. Updating now.

 

[PorkChopsMmm]

Can someone explain how the plate on the left hand side adjusts timing? I just loosed the screw, moved the plate down, and it seemed like nothing happened.

 

[Soundguy]

that screw is issentially moving the breakers a tad