Coil input information

[ndutton]

That's what made this so daunting. Each of us has little differences in alternator output, harness quality, coil resistance and the combination of differences makes for nearly infinite permutations. The calculator attempted to level the playing field.

[RobH2]

I'll definitely keep you posted. I think I'll go try to outrun Sandy. That will put a few hard hours on the coil.

I'll keep reporting back. I've learned a ton in this thread and on this forum. It's really an excellent resource and the knowledge you guys bring to it is irreplaceable.

[Nahart]

Does anyone have any experience starting with the hand crank? That is, with the resistor setup and EI, can you generate enough voltage with the hand crank? I haven't been able to start with my crank since I upgraded to EI, although I may have other issues such as timing, etc.

[RobH2]

That's an excellent question because I've tried 3 times to start my engine by hand and I've never been able to do it. I had the chance to talk with Don Moyer at the Annapolis Boat Show this year and he said to try bypassing the "low-oil pressure" switch and that might just do it.

I haven't tried yet but now that I have the resistor in I'm anxious to do so. I'll report back once I've given that a try.

[ndutton]

In terms of coil performance only, it should operate better under hand cranking than with the electric starter. The reason is you have more voltage to the coil than during normal starting.

When starting there is no electric contribution from the alternator, you're on battery only. Engaging the starter imparts a heavy load on the battery and therefore lowers the remaining voltage available to the coil. That's why the lights dim in your car during starting. When Rob reports back with his voltage measurement at the coil during starting we'll see the actual drop in voltage.

I think your inability to hand start, assuming the ignition is turned on, is fuel related. Be certain the choke is closing fully. This is also a time when having a rich mixture as Dave warned against earlier in the thread can work to your advantage.

Assuming you don't run your carburetor dry when you shut the engine down I disagree with Don that bypassing the oil pressure safety switch will make a difference. There is enough fuel in the carburetor bowl to get you started and running for a minute or so without ANY fuel pump operation. If your practice is to run the fuel out of the carb then I retract the OPSS comment, you'll certainly have to bypass it to start by hand.

Wow, it's generally not good practice to disagree with Don.

[roadnsky]

Wow, it's generally not good practice to disagree with Don.

Blasphemy!

[sastanley]

Once Hurricane Sandy goes by, I wanna try to start with my hand crank. I've always thought about it, but never tried it...I've only used it to rotate the engine after an "MMO treatment"...

[RobH2]

Me too. I'm going to get the crank out after Sandy is gone. Maybe we start a new thread, "Hand Cranking your A4?"

I bought one of those car jump starter batteries that I keep charged on the boat once I got frustrated with not being able to hand crank. The hand crank handle cost more than the jump start battery.

I want to figure it out though. I want to be able to hand crank my A4. I already know not to wrap my thumb around it so it doesn't get broken...

More soon...

[Nahart]

Just got back from installing my rebuilt carburator, replacing my Racor filter, and my fuel lines. The filter and lines ethanol compatible. Started right up on electric starter. Adjusted carb to the rich side. Full choke, just couldn't start with hand crank. I know it can be done. Just haven't figured out the formula yet.

[ndutton]

I'm not trying to be a wise guy but sometimes it's the simplest things that are overlooked. You guys have the ignition switched ON before hand cranking, right??

[RobH2]

Oh, that's the problem...I've been turning off, pulling the key, disconnecting the batteries and shutting the gas valve off. That's why it won't start...lol...

Never hurts to ask. My mother called once and said, "my computer won't boot." I asked, "is it plugged in?" She went behind the the desk and the cord was on the floor. The cat apparently had knocked the cord out.

[ndutton]

Here's another question and honestly I'm not trying to start anything:

Do any of you have a PCV system installed? If you do you might try plugging it before trying the hand crank.

[RobH2]

Yea, I know you aren't. Just kidding with you.

Yes, I do have a PCV kit installed. What would plugging it do to facilitate starting?

[Nahart]

Hand cranking has been moved to a new thread.

[RobH2]

Good move. We should have already done that ourselves. Thanks.