Expert: jack bahm - 11/30/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hey there,
I pulled my 31 Model A Roadster in to the garage about 2 months ago. It was running fine.
I have tried to start it the past few days and it won't.
I know enough to know it is either spark or fuel, but I don't know how to check to see if it is getting either one.
Thanks,
P

ANSWER: All Model A's start.  Hope you did not pull the fuse and forgot about it.
First, does the horn work.  If so, the fuse is good.
Next, with the key off, you should have fire at both sides of the coil.  If so, OK Now turn on the key and rotate the engine until the points close. YOu should have fire on the driver's side of the coil.  If not, your points need to be cleaned. Use a business card and slide it between the contacts until they are clean.  Try it again.  If still You have fire on both sides of the coil, then take the dist plate off and check the wire under the plate.  It may be grounded on something, but I doubt it.  If it was running good before, nothing should have grounded that little wire.
Before you take the dist apart, With the key on, and the points closed, snap the points open and you should fire the coil.  If not, those points are not closing.
Try all this stuff and get back to me.  You can also choke the heck out of it and feel if there is gas in the carb throat by the choke blade.  If there is gas, then it is probably getting fuel.  Loosen the gas cap too.
jack

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello again and thanks. I spent some time with it today. The spark seems to be fine. I am leaning toward a fuel issue. The fuel is getting to the carb,(I loosened the fuel line @ the carb and it leaked) but how do I check to see if anything is clogged/ stuck, etc...?
Thanks,
Patrick

Answer
Try to start it with full choke on, then stick your finger in the carb throat, by the choke blade.  There should be fuel dripping , (sitting)  on the floor of the carb throat.  If fuel is there, the carb is probably getting fuel into the manifold.  If not, take the carb off and clean it out.  This is not a big deal.  YOur float may be stuck.  Give it a rap with a mallet at the front of the carb.  Now don't break anything.  Just a small sharp blow with a small hammer.  Do this before you pull the carb.
Good luck.
jack