I'm a NEWBIE, & humble enough to say I need help

[2fulhund 0]

To ALL: As stated above, I am a newbie and have to that this org is way cool and VERY informative. KUDOS to the Founding Fathers. I am the recent, proud owner of a 67/68 3012M, with a couple of implements. What I need help with is the [consistant] starting of this beautiful machine. When I bought it she would not start (like its doing now), without alot of coaxing (change s.p.,points,ether,etc). I've mowed the lawn several times (most times when not needed, LOL--but it's true!), after changing these ,she started right up like a champ. She's not pretty, but she's all original and we have to love that. I've replaced the points, gapped them correctly, and would like to keep them. I've checked the spark e.g.; s.p. on head and push starter button: beautiful big white/blue flame. The batts got a full charge, and everthing seems to be fine. But she won't start. I don't know if its an ignition or (carb?) problem. I'm hating if it's the coil, do not particulary want to pull the flywheel, to find out that's not he problem. Gentlemen, and Ladies (if you're out there) any, and all help will be most appreciated. [I think I'm too late posting this message tonight because all you old gizzers are asleep--just kidding. I'll talk to you all tomorrow, and thanks.] Semper Fi, Greg

[BLT 725]

Well if you can get an 1/8" spark, it is not an electrical problem. Remove the S.P. and put a few drops of gas right done the plug hole and then quickly install and re-connect plug. Spin engine with starter and if you get a pop or two the direction is then pointed to carb.

[Bunky 3]

First off Welcome to the Club, and yes I would try the Gas in the spark plug hole and see if it fires ... If you have spark then I would say it must be a fuel problem....

[Scott Salmons 7]

Welcome, If your getting spark, make sure you are getting fuel to the carb by removing the fuel line. If the tractor has set for a long time you may need to clean out the fuel tank and the carb.

[Simplicity314 0]

yep...rebuilt the carb on my leaf vacuum motor because of that very same problem. Gas won't last but a few months. Drain the gas out of the tank and carb and put a few ounces of fresh gas in the tank. If it still doesn't fire, rebuild the carb.

[toad270 15]

welcome to the club Greg so far its sounds like good advice in eliminating the problem. you'll find a great group of people here always willing to help. we do love to see pictures.

[comet66 0]

Well you have a good idea where to start, Welcome aboard Greg!!

[mowerman1193 0]

Welcome to the club, I had a tractor like that a few years back and it was allot of crude in the fuel tank screen..I could take the fuel line off and no fuel coming out..so I blew into the line and I guess it would move the crude around away from the screen and I could run it for a couple weeks..Seem to be ok as long as I didn't let the fuel get to low in the tank..I should have took the time to take the tank off and clean it right but I never did that LOL

[johnmonkey 4]

Welcome aboard, as stated above check for ignition with the gas in the cylinder (just a few drops otherwise you may scar the cylinder), before the drops of gas, I would turn her over a few times to get oil splashed around. If you get ignition, check the gas flow, by removing the gas line and see if gas flows freely into a coffee can. I always remove the tank screen and place an in-line filter and a gope as shut-off on the fuel line (filter should be closer to the carb). I hope this helps. JH

[2fulhund 0]

You all are not going to believe this --my lack of experience I guess. Thanks for all your replies, they got me thinking....... I have good fuel flow to the carb, and checked the spark--thought I had good spark, but low-and-behold, I have weak or no spark, very intermentent (sp?). Then I saw the other post about "weak spark" took a gander and undid the wire from the points, started right up without choke early this morning (cold)! Wow, she amazes me. I can't wait for snow....! What gives with this wire. Is the ign switch shorting, is the wire shorting somewhere, any and all info will help. p.s. pics will be forthcoming. Like I said, she not pretty, but she gets the job done. Thanks again everyone, Semper Fi Greg

[UCD 14]

The only way to know is to take an OHM meter and check the wire and switch for shorts to ground with switch on. They should be shorted to ground with key off.

[2fulhund 0]

Update to all: I took a closer look at everything today, it seems that the wire inside the points box is being shorted by the box cover. Nothing a little RTV and some fine filing can't take care of. This problem solved! Just wait until the next one.... Thanks all, Semper FI Greg

[Rookie725 0]

Welcome, and yes, we ladies are out here.;)

[Roy 0]

Again: Its great when a problem is solved. Makes me feel good. Congratulations.

[richp 0]

I had that same problem years ago. One day it would run fine, the next it would miss or not start at all.

[dhardin 0]

Watch out when washing or let sit in the rain. Any water in or around this points box will do the same thing. welcome to the club..