Can’t start your B when HOT? Then try this.

I have a restored 1939 Hand Crank Model B. When cold, it always starts on the second or third click of the crank. But, when it is HOT, I have NEVER been able to start it. That was until yesterday.

I don’t take credit for this tip, I ran across it somewhere doing research on this issue. Don’t know who it was from, but whoever it was THANKS!

First, let me state that my B has been completely gone through, so everything is exactly the way it should be. If you have either running or starting issues, you need to correct those issues first as this may not work if you have other problems.

I have found that the float design in the Marvel carbs can be prone to sticking, so I am a little anal in how I shut it down and start it up, so if part of this seems odd, that is why.

When I shut it down, I turn off the fuel while idling, and let it run just long enough to walk to the other side and kill it by grounding the magneto. This leaves sufficient fuel in the carb to start it, but does not run the carb dry by shutting the fuel off and letting it die due to lack of fuel as others have told me to do. With the float hanging in an empty fuel bowl, it is more prone to stick and flood when you turn the fuel back on.

When I start it, I don’t turn the fuel back on till after it fires.

So, yesterday I tried out the technique that I found in my research. I started the engine normally, and let it run long enough to bring it up to operating temps. Then I shut it down as described above. I then walked away for five minute to make sure it was heat soaked. At this point in the past I have NEVER been able to achieve a restart.

Before attempting to start, simply take the throttle setting and pull it back beyond the last notch on the throttle control. Yes, it will go beyond that last point. This completely closes off the throttle blade in the carb. Notice, I never mentioned using the choke, I never have had to use it yet, so it is off. To my surprise and utter delight, it fired right off on the second click of the hand crank!

I repeated this four times, waiting longer between attempts, and every time, on the second click it fired right off.

So, if you have had problems starting your B when HOT (maybe this will work on other models), give this a try. You might find that it starts just as easy or easier than when it is cold!

Ok I have a 38 also cleaned up and has the same problem so this weekend I’m gonna test this out
Thanks for the advice well see if it helps me too