1960 35 hp gale, flywheel spins only after spark plugs removed

[35hpdan]

hello, i am new to this forum, i am working on my grandfathers 1960 35 hp gale, i changed the magnetos, plugs,, points, condensers, wires etc, as the magnetos where cracked, i set the points, but now the engine only turns over when plugs are removed, if plugs are in, the flywheel does not turn, or turns very little, i am thinking of changing the starter solenoid first, i cleaned any connections i could see
any suggestions?

the engine turned over, but never fired before i changed these parts

thanks in advance
dan

 

[JB]

Re: 1960 35 hp gale, flywheel spins only after spark plugs removed

Changing parts is the most used, most expensive and least effective troubleshooting method known to man.

Get your battery load tested and fully charged.

Jumper cables: From battery - to engine block, from battery + touched to the starter hot terminal. If the starter doesn't turn overhaul your starter motor.

If the starter turns, move the starter + lead to the solenoid hot terminal and try the key. If the starter turns you have hidden corrosion in battery cables or connections. If the starter doesn't turn you will need a solenoid.

Take both ends of both battery cables off. check the cables for weak or swollen (corroded) places. Scrub all connections shiny and reconnect.

Let us know what happened.

 

[35hpdan]

Re: 1960 35 hp gale, flywheel spins only after spark plugs removed

Jb
thank you, the battery cables, and everything else, are still original, im sure the cables are brittle inside, i will try and let you know
thank you for your help
dan

 

[35hpdan]

Re: 1960 35 hp gale, flywheel spins only after spark plugs removed

JB
what gauge battery cable would you recommend from battery to solenoid, and solenoid to starter? 4g ? about 3 feet long for battery cables
thanks
dan

 

[JB]

Re: 1960 35 hp gale, flywheel spins only after spark plugs removed

2 or 4, Dan, and change the battery ground cable to the engine block, too. It is the worst offender. Be sure to use marine grade, tinned strands wire.

Good luck.

 

[35hpdan]

Re: 1960 35 hp gale, flywheel spins only after spark plugs removed

battery cables got it running for about 30 seconds, now no click, wire from something that looks like kill switch were rubbed by the flywheel, also wire to and from this" kill switch" i think it is are now warm to the touch, reposted the problem on a new thread
dan