Restarting

[Kevinstone]

Our engine starts fine in the morning. Runs great for hours or all day. If I shut down at a fuel dock or at a lock it does not want to restart. I assumed coil so I replaced that. Still problem. I cleaned carb. Still problem. Any thoughts? Plugs look fine. I replaced plug wires tonight but have not tested.

[ndutton]

Are you using any choke on restart?

[Kevinstone]

No never needs it when warm

[Dave Neptune]

A good running A-4 should be hard to start warm without the choke or the carb is set up to rich. Any engine with an updraft style carb should be hesitant to start once warm or cold without a bit of choke.

Dave Neptune

[Kevinstone]

Thanks Dave, I cleaned up all ignition connections this morning. Our engine has purred and started easy for several Years. I hate to change too many things at once but I may give your tip a try if it’s not resolved

[joe_db]

Next time you try and start it, check the spark first and see how that is.

[Kevinstone]

This morning I decide to inspect distributor inside. Found weights rusty and stuff to move. Cleaned up now and well lubed. I’ll see if that changes the issue

[Kevinstone]

Actually found one broken spring and one weak spring on the advance mechanism. How to fix?

[Dave Neptune]

I think new springs are available from our host if not I got a set from Indigo some years back. Do replace both.

Dave Neptune

[sastanley]

Actually found one broken spring and one weak spring on the advance mechanism. How to fix?

I've had this problem (sticky weights)..Once the engine stalled it was hard to fire up and would only run with lots of throttle...good catch..let's hope that is the (a) fix. And, good mindset to change one thing at a time..too many at once and you never know what was broken.

[Kevinstone]

Is it possible to change those springs without disassembling the distributor? Can I just wiggle a new ones in the position?

[Dave Neptune]

Yes they can be slid on carefully. Just be careful not to stretch them at all. Both the tension of the spring and the length determine the "advance curve" and how the engine performs. Very important.

Be sure the sliding surfaces and the pins in those slots and where the weights slide are all clean and lubed. also be sure the counter shaft and the dist shaft rotate on each other freely and are also lubed.

Dave Neptune

[Kevinstone]

Install the new springs just now. It definitely change the timing. Yeah she was probably creeping up on us for some time with the other springs going bad. Thanks for all the help guys. I will re-time the engine tomorrow.