Occasional hard starting '76 Model D

jonr3

My cart has been running great ever since I rebuilt the engine. But lately - especially when starting in reverse - it occasionally doesn't want to turn over.

I press the gas pedal and hear the starter/generator try to turn the engine over but it won't turn. There is an occasional short belt squeak. If I press the pedal a few times, then I can get it to turn over. It happens more often when in reverse but it does the same thing occasionally in forward. Once it turns over, it starts and runs fine.

It's almost like the engine compression is too high, although I checked it and it's good - both in forward and reverse. I thougt it might have something to do with the F/R switch so today I took it apart, cleaned it, and replaced the 3 cables. No change. The starter belt is new and tight. I had the starter/generator inspected when I did the engine and he said it looked great.

Any ideas or suggestions? Thanks!

BGW

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73eldo

Mine does that too, the 82 more so than the 70's ones. I think its worse on the 82 because the clutch never slips so the whole cart has to move with the starter making it worse.

One thing may be that its sort of a timing issue. Points fire when the points open so if the engine stopped with the points closed (which is most of the time) when you start turning it the points will open before you get to TDC which means you get a spark and if there is any fuel left it will fire and try to push the piston back down a bit. You don't have a full proper dose of fuel so you don't get a big obvious bang but I think that is what is happening. I bet if you pulled the spark plug wire off it would not do it.

jonr3

That's a good possibility. When it starts the first time, it seems like it's usually after TDC and gets almost a full stroke. It's about 95 degrees outside right now, but tomorrow morning I'll try the spark plug wire test and see what happens. I also have all the stuff to convert to electronic ignition - don't know if that will help or not, but I might go ahead and tackle that job this week.

73eldo

I think the electronic will make it worse. Its a much more reliable spark even at low speeds. My 82 you can sit there rocking back and fourth seemingly forever if you wanted to. I then start rocking hoping I can help it move just enough to get over the hump.

jonr3

I tried disconnecting the plug wire and the same thing happens - starter energizes, slight belt squeal as it's trying to turn. A few more taps on the gas pedal and then it finally turns over. I'm beginning to think it might be the starter - not enough oomph going backwards...

73eldo

Interesting. I figured the plug would make a difference. I suppose directional wear could effect the performance of the starter.

jonr3

Hey 73eldo,

Do you think it could possibly be a failing solenoid? The reason I ask is that I thought I was having an issue with my F/R switch - not only was it hard to start especially in reverse, but once in a while it would start the engine forward when the switch was in reverse...

73eldo

I suppose its possible. That happens with car starters, the contacts get cruddy and don't quite get enough juice to the starter. You thump the key a few times and it kinda burns through and works for a while.

Lochlin

How old is your belt? One of my carts was doing that and I couldn't figure out why. I changed belts and it was fine. I attributed it to the old belt losing elasticity of something. Who knows. Belts are cheap so it can't hurt to try.

jonr3

Unfortunately it's brand new. I wish it was that easy of fix. And that cheap, too.