Recent content by halftide

Well, I wired the motorcycle coil up with condenser (from a Briggs I think) and a 6 v battery and, although I could see sparks around the points, there was no spark at the plug when I turned it over. I double checked all the wiring but eventually decided just to slap on the old buzz coil (which...

Thanks for the reply! The engine does run at rather low rpms... (more because of its faults than its stability, lol). How would I replace mechanical points with a relay? The existing points are pretty simple, just an arm that contacts the cam. (picture below, you can see how they're precisely...

Hi folks! Can anyone confirm that a motorcycle coil, a briggs condenser, a spark plug boot and some 14 gauge wire is about all i'll need to set up an ignition system? I've done some research and I think I understand the principles, but I'm a noob. I used to have a model T buzz coil on it but...

Hi folks, This is a pretty old thread but I'm hoping it'll get bumped. Could anyone confirm that a motorcycle coil, a briggs condenser, a spark plug boot and some 14 gauge wire is about all i'll need to set up an ignition system? I've done some research and I think I understand the principles...

One last thing, does it make sense to anyone that occasionally I get shocked? i can't figure out where it's coming from

Here's a link to the video of it running: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNFyGlYNSgs Let me know if you want to know anything else, thanks everyone for your help!

FINALLY got the engine to run for about 30 seconds yesterday. I couldn't be happier :D My plan in the longer term is to rebuild the exhaust push rod so it can handle a stronger spring (right now it flexes), but for now i'll just be fine tuning the carb.

a few pictures of the exhaust assembly

--update-- The gas tank finally arrived and i've been trying to get it running for a few days now. At this point i'm pretty positive that the main issue is the exhaust valve not sealing correctly. It seems to go through phases where it seals just fine and i can get a few pops out of it, but at...

Thanks the for the replies everyone! It's not in the picture but I do have a cast iron flywheel heavy enough for the engine. Where would I buy an o-ring? That seems like a great idea

Hey folks! I'm building a model of Henry Ford's kitchen sink engine from Leon Ridenour's plans. It's almost finished (the gas tank is in the mail), but on the compression stroke i hear air is escaping from the cylinder. It may be that the spring holding the exhaust valve is too weak, but more...

Started this for a school project, almost finished! Plans from Leon Ridenour Machine shop and expertise from Lock Baker (his website ishttp://www.easternfabrications.com/, he does amazing stuff) feedback is welcome, other than the gas tank it is complete