Gas flows, starter turns over, no combustion

[svon]

I've got a 67 broadmoor electric start that was in the barn of
a house I recently bought. I hooked up a battery and tried to start
gas gets to the carb but I never get any sign of combustion. Plug
does not look too bad and the connection is tight.
Without seeming to niave are there points in these tractors?
Any thoughts on getting this going would be appreciated.
Jeff in VT

[richp]

If it's the original motor I think there is points under the flywheel. Could also be stuck valve.

[richp]

Remove plugs. Plug spark plug hole with finger. Crank engine over. If you feel pressure on compression stroke, the valves are probably OK.
If it has been stored for a long period (probably at least 6 months or longer), although there is gas in the carb bowel, the valve in the
bottom which releases gas into the intake manifold may be gummed up (it works just like a toilet tank).
Reconnect a plug to the plug wire, with the plug tip end grounded to the engine, again crank engine and see if the plug is firing
(hold the plug by the wire preferibly wearing leather gloves so YOU don't feel the zap)
If the plug fires, the points, coil, condenser are probably OK.
Hope this helps,
Ford

[svon]

Very good procedure Ford. One thing to note though about grounding the spark plug - it will tell you if there is ANY spark but not if there is ENOUGH spark. Holding the spark plug wire terminal 1/4" away from ground will let you know if it is strong enough to ignite under compression - you will need to remove the rubber boot or make an extension with a screwdriver to do this. Be SURE to keep the terminal away from the spark plug hole and any other possible sources of gasoline. If it has points and they are worn try cleaning them to get it running long enough to check the rest of the tractor out. If all else is OK consider replacing the point ignition with a B&S solid state armature assy (399811) - if it has not been done already.

[svon]

Jeff, A engine's not fussy,it only needs a few things working properly to run.A good fuel supply to the combustion chamber,[inside]the proper amount of compression[at least 70lbs., while cranking]A strong spark able to jump the plug gap under compression,and the proper timing of valves and ignition to occur to explode said fuel.I you have a decent spark try spraying a LITTLE carb./choke cleaner into intake pipe.THEN crank engine,if it runs briefly then quits you have a plugged up carb.Good Luck and Be Safe! dlc