I would use an extra spark plug and hook it up to each lead from the mag while turning over the engine to see that you are getting good spark. Are your spark plugs fouled up? How is the gap? If you are getting good spark, then it is a fuel problem. are the linkages to the carb working properly? Choke? My twenty always needs the choke to start. How long has it been since this motor ran? Could any of the valves be sticking? Is your timing right? Be careful if the machine backfires on you- espically when you are trying to make sure timing is correct! Good luck.
Matt
Thanks Matt for your reply. My Twenty Two hasn't ran for years. The valves were ground and redone by me recently. The carb linkages move full stroke. The Choke works as it should. The spark plugs are new and so they should not be fouled. The spark is present but not extremely hot. Not like IH mags that I've seen. The gaps are correct according to my book. I wonder if the spark is hit and miss or if the mag needs so attention. This machine sat outside for who knows how long. Could be a fuel problem too, as I know little about the carb setup. Any ideas? Thanks so much
Still No luck on starting the 22. This thing really has me confused. I find nothing wrong except the fact that it won't run. Anybody have an idea what could be wrong? Thanks
If it will pop a couple of times with only the priming cups worth of gas, the spark is good enough to be starting with.
In my book, you have a fuel shortage problem until you can demonstrate a flooded engine from cranking it with the choke on. I would first take the drain plug out of the carburetor bowl if it has one (or the line to the carburetor) and see how much flow you are getting to the carburetor. Even if the line is almost completely restricted, you will get a gush when you first remove a bowl drain plug, but the flow rate will almost immediately slow to a trickle or drip once the bowl is drained and the fuel flow through the line and float valve needle are the limits.
Once you know you have a good flow of fuel into the carburetor bowl, then you can worry about carb passages being stopped up and try to clear them with carburetor cleaner, compressed air etc. If no improvement, you can always re drill the passageways in the carburetor with the correct size drills to ensure they are completely clear. This requires the removal and replacement of the "soft plugs" that block the drillings.
Friend of mine recommends a dose of fuel injector cleaner for any small engine that won't run correctly. 😊 I would say it won't hurt except if you have an old float with some sort of sealant coating that the cleaner might attack.
Thanks CCjersey! I'll give that a try, it's good to know where to start on this nightmare. Will let you guys know what I find! Thanks Again
Hey fellas, got my 22 to start a week ago! I had some plugging issues in my carb. Since then I finished painting and put decals on it. Problem is I pulled my plug wires off and now have forgotten the firing order. What a nightmare! Now I can't seem to find the order anywhere and can't remember which cylinder is No. 1. Is it the one closest to the radiator or dash? I could spend hours fighting this I know. Help Please!! Thanks
I don,t have any info on your gas model but the Cat diesels are 1-3-4-2 & the # 1 is nearest the radiator.I,d kind of think the gas jobs are the same firing order & I checked in an automotive book & the Chev. 4 cyl. engines & some other makes are that.