Super C Intermitant Non-Starting Problem

[DonMountain]

I have a Super C I have just replaced the badly leaking radiator on, and installed a new battery. Also changed the oil and filter. After having trouble cranking it, I dismounted the starter and removed the starter contacts and filed/reversed them to get the starter cranking again. Now I am having trouble with the engine not firing. I don't know if its the battery ignition or carburetor problem? How might I check these out?

[ajhbike]

I would check spark at the plugs as a starter and move upstream from there. I don't know what kind of carb you have (I have a !*?!* Carter) but you can pull the fuel line to make sure you are getting fuel. If you have fuel, I presume you have air, and you have spark, then you may have to clean the carb

[ajhbike]

What starter "contacts" do you have? I only have 1 contact on my starter

[DonMountain]

I don't know what kind of starter contacts I have. It is a unit mounted on top of the starter with a spring operated plunger that contacts a copper pad on top the starter motor to a bolt mounted contact on top that has the battery wire connected to it.

[Don McCombs]

Like this?

http://www.tmtractor.com/new/el/2543fp.htm

[DonMountain]

Yes, like that. I finally got it started. Drove my car out to the barn to use the 12 volt battery on my timing light, and hooked it to number one spark plug, cranked it and got no fire. I had run a voltage test to make sure the power was getting to the spark coil with success the other day when it fired. I flipped the starter switch (aftermarket) on and off several times. Cranked with the timing light hooked up and got spark this time. And it started up and ran just fine. So it must be my ignition switch that is the problem.

[ajhbike]

Sorry, I was confused by contacts thinking wire contacts...but that is great that it is running. Ignition switches can be a real PITA...I always keep a couple on hand because I seem to replace at least 1 a year on one of the tractors...and they always seem to act up when I really need to jump on and go or like you...I am working elsewhere and for no reason go blooey.

[Jim Becker]

I habitually look at the ammeter when I turn the ignition on. Points are essentially always closed when shut off. If so, the ammeter will move when the switch is turned on.