Starling Jet p-500 troller won't start

rsabola

Cadet
Joined
Aug 23, 2010
Messages
11
I have a 1964 5hp air cooled starling jet outboard with a clinton j9 powerhead and propulsion research jet drive. I can't get the motor to start. I have put new plugs in, and taken the carb apart and cleaned it. Any ideas on what I can do to try and start this motor. I do not know how to check compression or spark, but i know that the carb is clean and gas is running into the carb. Please help, as I want to run it this summer.
 
M

mrcrabs

Guest
Re: Starling Jet p-500 troller won't start

I do not know how to check compression or spark

Clintons have a reputation for weak spark to begin with on some models, you really need to clean and gap your points to the correct spec, and have the correct spark plug and gap set, and you need some service info to get started, best bet is to buy/download a Clinton manual and a borrow a flywheel puller and buy/make a spark tester and see what you got or you could try the tried and true method of spark checking I have quoted below
have your dumbest brother in law or brother come over for a beer and have him hold the plug wire while you give it a crank.... if brother in law jumps 3ft high and yells out and does a boogie dance and spills his beer then your spark is good
This method usally only works once so get it right the first time:D

I have some Clinton info but you will need to send me personal message (PM) with your e-mail addy and I will get back to you.
 

rsabola

Cadet
Joined
Aug 23, 2010
Messages
11
Re: Starling Jet p-500 troller won't start

how can i check the spark without hurting someone?
 
M

mrcrabs

Guest
Re: Starling Jet p-500 troller won't start

Ground the plug against the block or buy a spark checker at the auto parts store
 

rsabola

Cadet
Joined
Aug 23, 2010
Messages
11
Re: Starling Jet p-500 troller won't start

I tried to ground the plug against the block of the motor and I got no spark. Where do I go from here. I really want to fix this motor, any advice?
 

MahtyMaht

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Apr 7, 2010
Messages
605
Re: Starling Jet p-500 troller won't start

Snatch that flywheel off there, and do what Crabs said - "you really need to clean and gap your points to the correct spec, and have the correct spark plug and gap set". If you yank it over a few times, and pull the plug, and it's wet, and smells like fuel, and you ground the plug on the block, yank it, and get no spark, your problem is going to be ignition. Clean up, and set the points, man, I bet it'll light off and run.
 

rsabola

Cadet
Joined
Aug 23, 2010
Messages
11
Re: Starling Jet p-500 troller won't start

I pulled the flywheel off but I'm not sure what I need to clean. All points look good. Any suggestions.
 

MahtyMaht

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Apr 7, 2010
Messages
605
Re: Starling Jet p-500 troller won't start

You really can't go by what they look like. I've had new points get my finger print oil on'em, and promptly glaze when I tried to run it. Yank them out, clean them up with a points file, or some fine emory, then reinstall and set to 0.020" with the point arm on the high point of the cam on the crank. I'd probably just replace them and the condenser. Also, make sure the core of the coil is not rusty. If it is, sand it clean, and make sure the flywheel magnets are clean, too.
 
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