John,
another thing you might want to check is to make sure the butterfly on the carb
isn't closing up when you try to start. I had this problem on my '58 until I
installed a manual choke. Just a suggestion. later, Freddie
David Homstad wrote:
> John,
>
> Because starter fluid (ether) is very flammable and easier to ignite than
> gasoline. If the gas/air fuel ratio is off (either lean or rich), or the
> spark is weak, ether will ignite when gas will not. If you have a reasonable
> fuel ratio and a healthy spark, it should run! I assume you have the choke
> on the carb properly set.
>
> Try unplugging one plug wire at the plug end. Insert an old spark plug in
> the wire. Hold the plug's threaded end to ground on the engine, crank the
> starter over, and watch the spark. It should be bright and strong.
>
> When the starter is cranking, it draws so much current that the battery
> voltage to the coil will drop, resulting in a weaker spark, just when you
> need the maximum spark. To compensate, many cars have a bypass wire around
> the ballast resistor. The ballast resistor limits voltage and current flow
> to the coil during normal running operation to prevent coil overheating.
> This bypass comes from a starter terminal or ignition switch and applies
> what's left of the full battery voltage directly to the ignition coil only
> when the starter is engaged. I am not sure if a 58 Plymouth has this bypass.
> My 56 Dodge doesn't.
>
> Try measuring the voltage at the ballast resistor with the engine off, the
> points open, and the key on. It should be the same as the battery positive
> terminal. If the voltage is lower at the ballast resistor, then you have a
> high resistance in the wiring.
>
> Dave Homstad
> 56 Dodge D500
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: John Bayerlein [SMTP:bayerlin@BDC.BETHEL.ME.US]
> Sent: Monday, October 25, 1999 5:21 PM
> To: L-FORWARDLOOK@lists.psu.edu
> Subject: [FWDLK] 1958 PLYMOUTH HARD STARTING
>
> Dear FWDLK'ers,
>
> Well, I have replaced the distributor
> cap, points, ignition coil, plugs, wires and 2 bbl carb.
> What stymies me is that a squirt of starter fluid
> fires it up immediately. Hmmm. I'll check the timing
> once again, but any suggestions whether to "advance"
> or "retard"? Thank you.
>
> Mary Beth & John Bayerlein
>
> PS: Why would the starter fluid always work even when done first?
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