1947 Sears Elgin won't start, need help, plz.

[Jackster]

I rcently bought a 1947 Sears Elgin SN 571-58601-6411. I've checked the points and set to .020, sparkplugs are getting fire, cleaned the fuel tank and carburetor, even squirted fuel directly through carburetor, and set the ignition advance/throttle control lever to different positions, but the motor will not even sputter. The sparkplugs are wet so I know it's getting fuel. Any help would be much appreciated. Thx.

 

[JB]

Re: 1947 Sears Elgin won't start, need help, plz.

Howdy, Jackster.

Welcome to iboats.

Hmmm. You have 2 out of the big three. . .spark and fuel. What about compression?

Another possibility is that the timing is off. Check that the flywheel key is not sheared and that the plug wires are not reversed.

Good luck, and let us know what you find.

 

[jim j geezer]

Re: 1947 Sears Elgin won't start, need help, plz.

Spark plug TYPE can make a difference. "Getting fire" is a relative expression. Outside the compressed cylinder enviornment isn't the same as inside.

 

[F_R]

Re: 1947 Sears Elgin won't start, need help, plz.

How did you check the points? Did you take them apart and physically polish each contact shiny bright? Or id you look at them and say that's good? Clean them.

Yeah, check compression. For all we know, the motor could be worn out.

 

[Jackster]

Re: 1947 Sears Elgin won't start, need help, plz.

Thank you all for the respnses.
I don't have an compression gauge, but it pulls hard. My 13 year old son cannot pull it. I know that's not an official check, but there is enough compression it should run.
The flywheel key is good, so I assume the timing is correct.
I had reversed the sparkplug wires, no difference.
I had sandpapered the points and reset them.
It doesn't have Champion J11C sparkplugs, so I'll get a couple of those and try that.
I'll keep messing with it.
Thanks again for the tips.

 

[JB]

Re: 1947 Sears Elgin won't start, need help, plz.

It doesn't have Champion J11C sparkplugs, so I'll get a couple of those and try that.

J11C?? That seems to me to be a dreadfully hot plug for a water cooled outboard. Where did you get the idea that it should have J11C?? I would have suggested J6C gapped at .030, like most JohnnyRudes of the period.