1948 cub is hard to start

[Richard in Ga]

48 cub is hard to start. A complete tune up has been done. The valves adjusted. Carb has been rebuilt and it still is hard to start. When it does start it runs good.
Any ideas?

[indy61]

My first guess is points gap is off.
Is the Cub still magneto and 6 volt?

[Richard in Ga]

No magneto and its is 6 volt
Also the coil is new

[lowgearfarm]

Richard, check the simple things first. Crank it several times. If it doesn't start, pull the plugs. If the plugs are wet, then you flooded it. If the plugs are dry, then it's not getting gas. Report back to this forum in the morning with what your plugs are telling you.

[Waif]

Double check sparkplug gaps.
.023.

And points gap.
For magneto system , .013 point gap. Battery type ignition , .020 point gap.

Have you found the "sweet spot" on your throttle lever for starting yet?
And are you familiar with how much choke it wants for starting , if any?

When a carb is removed and replaced , there are adjustments to follow.
Both the governor linkage(s) , and air/idle mix screw.
After checking to be sure choke lever is installed securely and in the proper position.

[Richard in Ga]

Adjustments are good.
Runs great its just a pain to start, hot or cold

[Richard in Ga]

I'll double check all the gaps

[indy61]

Do you feel like it's cranking fast enough?
Bad battery cables/ends can make a huge difference.

[Richard in Ga]

Cranking with hand crank.
Starter is being rebuilt

[indy61]

Hand cranking with distributor ignition requires a good battery. Voltage should be around 6.5 or more with a 6 volt.

[Eugene]

What did you do for a complete tune up? Explain.

Static time and then timing light time the ignition?

Spark plug wires on correct spark plugs? Tractor will run on 2 cylinders.

It will take about 4 to 4.5 battery volts to fire the spark plugs.

[Richard in Ga]

Points, cap, rotor, wires, plugs and coil are new.
New battery and new battery cables.
I am going to check all the gaps again maybe the starter will be back by then and it will spin it faster than i can turn by hand.
I have been starting this cub by hand since I was a teenager but it sat idle for a long time and now i am trying to bring it back. It used to start a lot easier. Could it be the plugs need to be hotter?
Ps i did static time it earlier

[Richard in Ga]

battery maintainer says i have about 6.8 volts

[Eugene]

All that's nice, but you didn't answer my questions.

By the way. No need to "spin" the engine over when hand starting.

[Clemsonfor]

Hand cranking with distributor ignition requires a good battery. Voltage should be around 6.5 or more with a 6 volt.

Mine fires with less than that. 5.5 volts or lower.