Hello Gang. My '30 Sedan has been very hard to start (since reconditioning after 26 years) preventing my putting it back into service. Today, I believe that I found the problem. I tested compression, ignition and carburation.
The carb is working fine, if perhaps maladjusted.
The rings and valves are fine: 76, 80, 80, 79, 80, 80 psi (cylinder 1's valves could be a tad better but all-in-all, the engine is healthy.
The problem is in the ignition. It works one moment and is very weak the next. I suspect the wiring and coil as the condenser is new. There is sometimes a spark at the points and sometimes not; classic condencer problem. The coil may also be ill. I will just replace all the old bits (coil, wires, etc.) and rat-hole the original bits -- as usual.
The reason for the post was really just to list the compression numbers. Using 80psi as 'perfect' and 14.7psi as ambient, the implied compression ratio is ~5.4:1 5.2:1 is the quoted number so this engine 'may' have been bored out a little -- or a vast number of other possibilities. :-0
Best Friday to all
Rick
PS: Remember, Formula 1 qualifying is tonight and the race is tomorrow night, from Suzuka Japan. Forza!
