First run out in the featherweight, restarting issues

[Merry]

Well overall it went pretty well, but after shutting down the engine it struggled to restart again, I think I need to check the ignition over, plug and gap, but it's got the wipak mk4 ignition, is the ht lead able to be replaced on those if it needed it???

[Charles uk]

No!

[Collector Inspector]

I suggest if the motor ran nicely forget about the ignition. Mind you does it have a healthy spark when pulled over?

Try another plug.............

Then if that is OK, you have "first run blues"!

Once shaken a motor will sometimes fall foul of a lack of maintenance in other areas.

Start checking everything methodically aye.

The reason is probably staring you in the face.

Go to the main site and read FAQs

B

[headdownarseup]

Yep, look closely at the plug as this will give you a good indication as to what's happening inside. Ideally a greyish/brownish deposit over the central electrode is what your after. Anything wet/oily looking might indicate too rich fuel mixture, anything very dry/white might indicate too lean on the mixture (gets bloody hot to the touch)

Also, go through the entire fuel system again for cleanliness. Any little bits of debris that get dislodged from the tank will end up in the carb eventually and block up somewhere else causing erratic running problems. (filters, jets,float bowl,fuel line etc.etc.)
Wash the tank out with some fresh petrol and see if any gunge comes out?

Teething problems most likely after a shakedown run!

Jon

[Adrian Dale]

Check the prop is not too deep. water pressure in the exhaust can cause starting problems.. lift the motor so the base of the leg is just submerged.

AJ

[Horsley-Anarak]

Tickle the 416 carb till it drips petrol.
Then it should start, I have a couple that are like that.

H-A

[Merry]

I think the headgasket may have gone... There is a kind of mayo gunk around it and it was steaming in the area a little... I assumed it was rain steaming off it at the time