Discussion:
1966 clark c20b forklift issues

This is a new to me clark c20b. It is propane powered and has a 4 cylinder motor. It will cough every once in a while but not start. I have never worked on a propane system. I am trying to understand the system. I will include some photos so you know what I got. any Ideas. I replaced the plugs and have spark but it is not blue more like a yellow spark.
  • Posted 11 Nov 2013 03:07
  • Discussion started by ladrhog
  • Washington, United States
Showing items 16 - 27 of 27 results.
The Zenith LP system you have runs at about 15 lbs.

The part #'s are as follows (NAPA part #'s):Distributor cap-RR181,Rotor-RR182R,Condenser-RR176,Ignition points-either CS788 or CS763A (get both- return the wrong one),Ignition coil-IC14(internal resistor-if external resistor present- remove,Plug wires-700172-cut to length & spark plugs AC-C87 or Autolite-386.
  • Posted 13 Nov 2013 01:34
  • Reply by bbforks
  • Pennsylvania, United States
bbforks (at) Hotmail (dot) com
Customers love technology- until they have to pay to fix it!
did you tell the "clark tech" that you had a Zenith fuel system?
the 3 to 5 PSI is common to the [other] lower pressure types of LPG systems types, not so much the higher pressure Zenith.
  • Posted 12 Nov 2013 20:59
  • Modified 14 Nov 2013 22:11 by poster
  • Reply by edward_t
  • South Carolina, United States
"it's not rocket surgery"
Ill take all this part numbers. I plan on doing the ignition system. I just got off the phone with a clark tech from the seattle area and he said I should only have about 3-5 psi coming out of the vaporizer. I had a lot more than that. I really don't know how much but it was quite a bit made a real loud hiss and was liquid looking.
  • Posted 12 Nov 2013 11:03
  • Modified 12 Nov 2013 11:05 by poster
  • Reply by ladrhog
  • Washington, United States
I got your email- you have a Zenith high pressure fuel system.

First things first- do a COMPLETE tune-up. Nothing worse than chasing your tail piecemealing a repair. I can give you NAPA part #'s for your application if you need. Once you have good spark, then, if need be, you can tackle the fuel system. Ignition system parts are cheaper, easier to get, easier to install then any propane part.
  • Posted 12 Nov 2013 10:45
  • Reply by bbforks
  • Pennsylvania, United States
bbforks (at) Hotmail (dot) com
Customers love technology- until they have to pay to fix it!
it does have a coil that says on the side use with external resistor. I don't think they had those back in 63 but who knows. I may throw a new coil at it.
  • Posted 12 Nov 2013 09:39
  • Reply by ladrhog
  • Washington, United States
I checked compression and it is at 140psi. what should it be at?
  • Posted 12 Nov 2013 09:37
  • Reply by ladrhog
  • Washington, United States
points are good. gap is.017
  • Posted 12 Nov 2013 09:24
  • Reply by ladrhog
  • Washington, United States
This have points in the distributor? how do they look?.....Gap???
  • Posted 11 Nov 2013 20:28
  • Reply by kevin_t
  • Pennsylvania, United States
Make sure to get the right type of coil- internal or external resistor type. As far as I know- pictures can't be posted here. You can send pictures to my email.
  • Posted 11 Nov 2013 14:33
  • Reply by bbforks
  • Pennsylvania, United States
bbforks (at) Hotmail (dot) com
Customers love technology- until they have to pay to fix it!
It screws down. I am going to get a condencer and a new coil tomorrow. the coil will not jump even 1/4 inch when connected to a screwdriver and near a good ground. can you post pictures on this forum?
  • Posted 11 Nov 2013 13:02
  • Reply by ladrhog
  • Washington, United States
If you follow the hose from the propane tank, it should go to either a little electric solenoid or a larger valve assy with a vacuum line attached, from there it should go to the regulator which will either be mounted in the thermostat housing or a stand alone unit. To help I need that information first.

As far as the spark- it needs to be bright blue & jump a distance of at least 3/8" or better when the spark plug wire is held close to a known good ground (cyl head bolt, etc). If it's orange or yellow then the spark is weak & will cause issues. I would suggest a complete tune up if your spark's yellow. Does your dist cap screw down to the distributor or have clips?
  • Posted 11 Nov 2013 06:32
  • Modified 11 Nov 2013 06:37 by poster
  • Reply by bbforks
  • Pennsylvania, United States
bbforks (at) Hotmail (dot) com
Customers love technology- until they have to pay to fix it!
well i guess I cant post pics so I'll try to explain.
  • Posted 11 Nov 2013 03:08
  • Reply by ladrhog
  • Washington, United States

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