F Head Not Running... At All.

it just doesn't want to run. it all started when we were playing in the snow, and it quit running. we ran out of gas, (a normal occurence), but left the key on and burned out the SSI unit. we rebuilt the old ignition system, then ran it for a little while more, with only 3 cylinders firing. (#3 wire was bad) we also tried adjusting the timing by rotating the distributor. we eventually got a set of new spark plug wires, and it ran for a few minutes, before we shut it off. when we tried to start it, we broke the bendix retainer. we replaced that, but it will not start. it's getting gas to the carb, and the air cleaner is clean. compression is about 100 psi on #1, 2,4 and about 60 on #3. i have awful luck. we gapped the plugs and set the point gap as well.

 

Take a deep breath and do one thing at a time, and do each one to specification.

For instance, are you getting a spark at the plugs, after doing the points? Is the timing set to factory spec?

"Gas to the carb" but could it be a stuck float, or water/dirt in the carb? Try a shot of starter fluid down the carb throat, see if it fires at all.

 

sorry i really need to get back home and do all this stuff. it's been a while, this thread was a folly, posted at the wrong time. i'm at school.

 

I'm not overly experienced at this, but look at what caused it to stop running. You ran out of gas and then burnt up the solid state ignition. I assume that's what SSI stands for. So you put gas in it and you say the gas is getting to the carb, so that shouldn't be your issue. You said you rebuilt the ignition system. If I were you I'd revisit this. Apparently someone replaced the old points ignition with the solid state and it ran then. So why was the points ignition replaced? Assuming it wasn't working well, why put it back in? If you're sure it's working now, then recheck the timing and make sure the spark plug wires are connected correctly. From what you wrote in your initial post that's all you've changed, so most likely your issue is one of the above.
And while it should run, I wouldn't expect it to run well until the low compression in #3 is corrected.

 

Do you have spark. Bad loose / ground? Engine ground strap?

 

Bad condenser. It is common for these to burn up and they do all sorts of strange things to the ignition.

 

we did, but left the key on, which can apparently kill it. we replaced it with the original system, and it now seems we have a bad condenser, after a few hours tinkering.

 

Does that mean you have it running again?

 

no, it means we need to buy a new condenser today.

 

that was actually because we wanted to not have to adjust it. the points AND condenser were both bad, so we replaced them, but the new condenser went out.

 

My opinion, adjusting points is pretty simple and quick once you get the hang of it. Even on the trail.

A "point" to emphasize is to be absolutely sure they are clean when you are done. A speck of crud will raise heck. Finish up by wiping a business card or slip of paper through the contacts.

Don't forget the cam needs a tiny smidgen of grease. And be aware that the point gap affects the timing, which should be re-checked after setting the points.