HELP, HELP, HELP

[Peter Person]

HELP.
Just got home from CubFest and the Cub won't start. I got one or two cranks and the battery is dead. Same thing happened when we arrived on Friday. Larry had a portable power unit that he hooked up and the Cub started fine. Had to pop start it a couple of times but after the workout it got (almost 10 gallons of gas) it started fine many times. The generator is charging fine.
How do I start this (no hand crank)? I do have a charger.
Thanks
I'll get back on the forum later with all the praise for CubFest.
Peter

[John(videodoc)]

After having a similar problem with stainless, i would suggest checking all your postive grounds. those to battery and on the starter. remove them, and etch to the metal, make sure nothing under them. make sure cables are good as well. Next thing make sure the battery has a good charge as well.

When you say it won't start, be more specific, is it cranking, not cranking, grinding.

Any oil leak onto the trailer on the way home?

[Cecil]

Remember we removed the positive terminal when we changed the front seal. It looked a little dirty at the time and I appologize for not cleaning it. Clean both terminals really good, both the battery and the cables, and see if that helps.

[Bigdog]

Peter - if we assume the battery is good then do as Doc suggests. Check both ends of both cables and their attachment points. Those clamp-on replacement ends are notorious for corroding under the clamp. The ground cable attachment is just as important as the negative cable. Shiney metal to metal contact is necessary and the starter mount must be clean as well since the starter grounds through it's mounts. If all connections are bright and tight then have the battery load tested. And check the switch (starter) contact as well.

[WKPoor]

Sounds like your battery is defective as it won't hold a charge. If after the battery is charged it still won't start take nothing for granted and check the following. I would also load test the battery after charging.

I think we need a NO-START troubleshooting flow chart. I'll start a list of things to check.
1: Battery Charged
2: Fuel in tank
3: Check for fuel flow by removing carb drain.
4: While cranking check for spark at coil wire.
5: If no spark at coil check for batt voltage at coil terminal
6: If spark at coil is good check for spark at plug or cap terminal.
7: No-spark at plug check cap and/or rotor button.
8: If spark is all good return to fuel.
9: If it will fire with shot of starting fluid then problem is in carb.

[WKPoor]

Sorry BD, I was typing as you posted. Your most likely on it with corroded terminals.

[Don McCombs]

Peter,

It's that lock washer in your pocket. Put it back on and everything will be fine.

[Cecil]

No I threw it in his tool box remember.

[John(videodoc)]

Maybe we shouldda polarized that generator

[Peter Person]

Thanks everyone.
I got it started and off the trailer.
I'll go through all of the suggestions and check each one off.
I knew that washer was important!
Rain all the way to CubFest and rain all the way home probably did not help.
What a great weekend.
The boys had a blast.
I cannot come up with enough words to express my appreciation and gratitude for all of the help received on our Cub.
I'll try not to miss anyone, but I'm sure I will.
Gene - Your willingness to open up your farm for us overgrown kids.
Bigdog - Your encouragement to get "the job" done.
Cecil - for leading the charge to dismantle a Cub faster than Ralph Just kidding, but your leadership and direction were excellent. I look forward to October.
Donny - your resourcefulness in getting gaskets and hoses and words of wisdom.
Jim - your guiding hand of wisdom as the process went on and your help with our desire to learn how to plow as well as adjustments to the governor and carburator.
Rick - your help installing the new fast hitch lever and getting the fast-hitch working correctly. (I won't say anything about the tow )
Bill - for your pulley "thing-a-ma-jig" and for pointing out the missing lube point on the steering linkage.
George - you came to the rescue with the hoses. You're an inspiration for us all, 11 Cubs! WOW.
Dave Hull, CubHut, Steve, VideoDoc, Buzzard, Lurker Carl, Kodiak, Cowboy, and everyone else I met and forgot your names already, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU.
I HAD A BLAST!
Peter