REFLECTOR: Help -- Franklin -- stuck in SLC

[Scott Derrick]

>
>Are you sure your air filter is not clogged?  If you have a manifold gauge,
>does it show close to 29 inches while cranking?

Air:

You won't see 29 inches at 4300 ft, but you should see about 24.5 inches.

You could remove the air filter and try starting but I think a visual 
inspection of the intake system would probably verify you haven't sucked up 
a rag or a bird hasn't built its nest over night in it.

Verify you have about 24 inches with a short 3 second cranking.

Sounds like no spark or no fuel.

Spark:

Its tough to check the plug firing on a V. Get a volt/OHM meter.   Turn off 
the MAGs and check at the point on the mags that they are grounded.   Now 
turn them on and verify they are not grounded(open).  If possible 
disconnect the starter relay, have somebody hold the key in the "start" 
position and verify they are still not grounded.  Its possible for the Mag 
internal wire to break open but highly unlikely both mags would go south in 
this way.

You can take all 6(?) plugs out, lay one the cylinder hooked to its 
wire.  Now lay on the wing from the front in a secure fashion  and have 
somebody crank the engine through.  You should see a weak spark.  Do this 
out of the direct sunlight.

Fuel:

An easy way to verify your getting fuel is to try starting normally with 
the top or bottom cowl off.  Be liberal with the fuel controls.   If no 
start(sounds of firing) after a couple 20 second try's immediately pull a 
top plug.  If its not wet you are not getting any fuel.

 From there its a process of elimination.  Any clear view filters you can 
visually inspect.  I would start at the carburetor and work back to the 
fuel sump.  Is there a screen or built in filter on the carburetor?  Ground 
both mags with wires and clips to prevent ignition. Disconnect fuel line at 
carb, turn on aux pump. If it flows now try turning the engine using the 
mechanical pump, verify flow.  If it flows you have a carburetor problem, 
if not the problem is up the line.  Go the next place in the fuel system 
towards the tanks and disconnect and try again.

***Be sure to have your extinguisher real handy just in case. ***

Scott

"Those who sacrifice freedom to get security, deserve neither."
- Benjamin Franklin