Clark Forktruck Troubleshooting?

[widfox65]

Hello
I am trying to troubleshoot a Clark fork truck #060-86-768 for a no start condition. This truck has a 6000 lb capacity. I have the engine now turning over, but it will not start.
I have found I have spark at the points when engine is turned over. Put my spark plug tester on a spark plug lead and also had spark. Propane tank on truck with valve open. Does the solenoid regulate the passage of propane? I do not smell any odor of propane while trying to start engine. Even pumping the accelerator, no smell of propane. Should I have a odor of propane? I want to work safely with the volatility of propane. Looking for help in the diagnosis of the no start condition.
Thanks

 

[BillG]

Make sure you have spark at the coil wire leading to the distributor, pull off the center distributor cap lead and hold about a 1/4 inch from the block and crank it over. You should have a good blue spark. One question, where is the coil? I see the bracket and coil wire but no coil. As far as the propane is concerned, the solenoid allows liquid propane (as long as there is propane in the tank) to flow to the regulator, thats the device in the water jacket. I don't know what style mixer (carburetor) you have so I can't go any further than that.

 

[widfox65]

BillG
Thanks for your reply. I believe the original coil was removed and replaced with a different and larger one. I will include a picture a picture of it. Tomorrow I will take the coil lead out of the dist. and check spark as you said. Are you saying the item next to the electric solenoid that I posted is the regulator? I will also send a pic. of the carb. tomorrow.
thanks

 

[TD24]

Coil in pic appears to have a crack under the boot at the dust/leak appearance break line on lower side and leakage out around the back.
If it is cracked and leaking it is bad.
Go to a NAPA store. Get you an Echlin brand 12 volt coil with BUILT IN RESISTOR....
Remove your present coil and the jury rigged resistor... Slip your new coil up into the proper bracket,connect it up, and you will have spark.

In case you are getting spark from coil wire to block as suggested, GOOD.
Remove the air cleaner hose at the carb, and as someone cranks it over, give it a whiff of starting fluid.
If it fires up momentarily you have a gas problem, not spark.
Luck....

 

[BillG]

Yes, the round device in the water jacket is the vaporizer/regulator. It vaporizes the liquid propane and regulates the pressure down to approx. 7 psi which the pressurized carb/mixer controls based on engine demand.

 

[widfox65]

TD24
Thanks for your reply.
I will check the coil tomorrow. This is a propane fueled engine. Can I still spray a whiff of starter fluid into the air cleaner canister after removing the element?

 

[widfox65]

Thanks, BillG
I know I am a newbie here, but I am learning a lot about this fork truck engine operation, which I need to get operable, soon.

 

[BillG]

I never suggest using starting fluid of any kind. I've worked on forklifts and industrial equipment for forty years and have seen many Continentals, Hercules, Waukeshas and others with plenty of life left that were damaged or ruined by folks that didn't understand it's proper usage. It has it's place but these aren't it, basic troubleshooting and problem solving is a lot cheaper in the long run. Just my opinion.

 

[widfox65]

BillG
I never have been a big fan of Starter fluid. I would prefer to get to the cause of the problem. If an engine runs on gas or propane, prefer to find out why either one is not being delivered. I will check the coil for spark tomorrow and its appearance on the casing. Will report my findings.
Thanks

 

[widfox65]

BillG
I never have been a big fan of Starter fluid. I would prefer to get to the cause of the problem. If an engine runs on gas or propane, prefer to find out why either one is not being delivered. I will check the coil for spark tomorrow and its appearance on the casing. Will report my findings.
Thanks

 

[widfox65]

Sorry for the duplicate post.

 

[TD24]

TD24
Thanks for your reply.
I will check the coil tomorrow. This is a propane fueled engine. Can I still spray a whiff of starter fluid into the air cleaner canister after removing the element?

You could remove the a/c filter and shoot thru there, but be simpler and easier to loosen the hose clamp at the carb and put it in there.
Being propane makes no difference.
Your propane system is J & S, a Clark standby for years. Carb should be cast iron, bit bulgy face on front with many screws. Caused very little trouble. Easily kitted.

We are not talking about using a whole can of ether and blowing the head off. Just a gentle whiff like the perfume lady in the department store dispenses when you walk by.
Gets your attention but not in trouble when you meet the wife later. All volatile gases should be dispensed sparingly.

 

[widfox65]

TD24
What is a propane system by J&S? Will look at carb. tomorrow and take a pic. Fork truck is at another location.
thanks

 

[widfox65]

Okay, I have found that there is a good heavy spark when coil wire is held 1/4" away from engine. Still no firing of engine, when turned over. Removed rubber hose from air cleaner canister and sprayed starting fluid into tube. Still no firing when turned over. Including some pictures of the carb area. Sorry for the lack of clarity in the pictures. Put my hand over rubber hose to air cleaner, then cranked the engine over. Had good suction of air at that hose end.
What else can I troubleshoot for this no-start engine? Thanks

 

[widfox65]

Can someone tell me what battery or battery's are original to this fork truck. I am having trouble finding what is original and still has the amp hours required and fitting the battery carrier. Top photo shows what batteries are there now. YUSA Reliart 12volt 24 a.h.
thanks.

 

[widfox65]

New Question about the Clark fork truck.
Started fork truck one day and used it for 1/2 hour. NO ISSUES. Went to start it a week later and no start. It will turn over well, but no start. It is getting propane gas. Electric solenoid is being energized. No continuity on the vacuum switch that is mounted to the engine intake. I have electric to the vacuum switch at the carb. and it clicks. I have been searching for a new vacuum switch. Eaton model 140-10 . Any sources where to buy one? Anybody have a new one to sell? The vacuum switch is shown in Post #14, second picture. Just above the flashlight.
thanks

 

[ValleyFirewood]

Can't say I've every heard a forklift called a "fork truck". Just struck me as odd!

 

[widfox65]

Us Northern folk talk different, didn't you know!!!!!

 

[widfox65]

Sending a picture of the failed vacuum switch. Does anyone know of a source for this part other than dealer, which is far from me? Eaton Model 140-10. Napa does not carry them.
thanks

 

[willie59]

Do a google search for "microvac vacuum switch", they're made slightly different than the original unit you have but should work just fine.

http://www.propanecarbs.com/beam/beam_1501_microvac.html