Re: 1956 Oliver 5.5 hp won’t start

[Buccaneer]

Spark was great after installing the new coils and condensers, but couldn’t
see diddly out in the sunlight today. I pulled the reed block when I had the
carb off, and installed a new O-ring. Suppose that could be an issue.
I played with the the throttle after putting the carb on. It does open all the
way, but just before full mag advance, then closes a little at full advance.
That’s part of the reason I think the bracket was welded out of whack.
I did try spraying a shot of ether in the silencer, but most shot out the
other end. It only "farted" like before. Don’t like using ether, but the
bursitis in both shoulders said "Do it".
No witness marks on the cam.
Flywheel key installed 🙂
I used a dial indicator in the cylinders to set the points. Done this on
several outboards, and it does seem to make them idle nice.
No crank seals on this engine.
Using 16:1 gas mix
Tried starting once on the stand (to reduce back pressure) in case
of bad crank bearings. Didn’t make a difference.
The plugs were not as wet as I thought they should be, but harder
to tell on brand new plugs. I thought that the throttle
might be open too far for starting position, and not having
the correct venturi velocity to draw the fuel out of the bowl.
The throttle arm (that rides on the cam) is adjustable on the
throttle shaft. I will try tomorrow to set it so the throttle is
just opening at 2/3 rd mag advance and see it that makes a difference.
Tried that when initially setting it up, but then the throttle wouldn’t
open all the way at full advance.
Thanks for the ideas,
Will play more tomorrow.

Prepare to be boarded!