1951 scott atwater 1 20 engine troubleshooting question

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Mar 28, 2010
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I just bought this 7.5 hp Scott Atwater 1 20. Its a 1951 model. It wont start. This is what I know thus far.

It seems to be getting fuel.
I cleaned the carb.
New spark plugs. To the touch the plug wires do have a spark, but I cant physically see a spark when testing it.

At this point, Im not sure what else it could be. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Im not sure how to check the points and coils, but I did clean them.

Thanks
 

steelespike

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Apr 26, 2002
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19,069
Re: 1951 scott atwater 1 20 engine troubleshooting question

Usually these old motors the coils hold up pretty well.Did you have the flywheel off to check the points?You need to be sure the points are set at .020 on the highest point of the cam.Check that you have cleaned the points properly and they actually make good contact.Be sure the plug wires are on the right plug.Usually labeled.Remove both plugs Gap to .050 yes .050.Hold the plug against the power head with insulated pliers and crank it over.Should get a blue spark with an audible snap.If it refuses to jump try it at .025.Sometimes old points have one pitted and the other has a bump dirt will sometimes hold the points open even after cleaning.I usually use a strip of file card with contact cleaner as a final cleaning.
 
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Re: 1951 scott atwater 1 20 engine troubleshooting question

Ok, Ill try that tomorrow and let you know. Anyone else have any other suggestions?
 

keith-uk

Petty Officer 3rd Class
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Oct 26, 2008
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Re: 1951 scott atwater 1 20 engine troubleshooting question

I would say that, once you have a good spark, you should be up and running.
Steelespike has covered it all.
 
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Re: 1951 scott atwater 1 20 engine troubleshooting question

ok after a little work this morning i got spark from one cylinder both points seem clean and gaped at .020 and plugs at .o45 the biggest gap on my tool lol. still need spark on other side though im gonna try gaping other point at .025 and see what gives and leave the working side alone if that sounds right let me know or if u have any other ideas. thanks alot.
 
Joined
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Re: 1951 scott atwater 1 20 engine troubleshooting question

to all thank you so much that 51 atwater started and ran for the first time in who knows how long hope u all have a great summer on the water thanks again
 

steelespike

Supreme Mariner
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Messages
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Re: 1951 scott atwater 1 20 engine troubleshooting question

Great, allways nice to here a success.
 
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Re: 1951 scott atwater 1 20 engine troubleshooting question

Anyone know what these engines are worth? Being as old as they are..in working condition?
 
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