Hi Paul:
Sorry to hear that you still have not succeeded. To clear a flooded
engine, especially one that has had such persistent starting efforts, I
recommend removing the plugs and cleaning them thoroughly. Spray them with
Brake Kleen or similar spray solvent, then dry them well. While the plugs
are out, spin the engine over with the starter for 10 seconds or so, while
holding the throttle wide open. Make sure that the choke is not pulled out
for this manoeuvre. Install the plugs. Crank the engine over again with
the throttle wide open. Then pull out the choke - don't touch the throttle
- and if it's going to start it should start.
If nothing happens right away, don't keep cranking. Check for spark. Do
this by removing one of the spark plugs. Keep the wire on it then place
the spark plug somewhere on the engine where the metal shell of the plug
can touch the engine or a grounded part of the car. Get someone to crank
over the engine - ignition on - and watch the plug gap. There should be a
blue spark visible between the electrodes. Another way of doing this is to
remove the plug wire and stick a screwdrive into the plug end of the wire.
While holding the handle of the screwdriver with the wire on the other end,
bring the shaft of the screwdriver near something metal while someone else
cranks the car over. It you have spark you will see it jump from the
screwdriver to the ground you are holding it by. You must use a plastic or
wood handled screwdriver and it wouldn't hurt to wear gloves. DO NOT touch
the metal part of the screwdriver or you will have a shocking experience.
It won't hurt you if you do get a shock but you will certainly know whether
you have spark. Incidentally, you must hold the screwdriver within 1/4" of
the grounded part in order to see a spark.
If you don't get a spark the fault lies in the distributor as I mentioned
before. It's unlikely the fault is in the coil. Suspect your work or a
faulty condensor.
If you do get a spark and the car won't run the fault is in the timing.
You may have installed the distributor wrong. Be sure that you have placed
the wires on the distributor cap in the correct sequence and that you have
the number one wire in the correct place. This is critical. Be sure that
you have followed the correct firing order and that the order is correct
for the direction of rotation of the distributor. Finally, and this may
sound dumb, did you put the rotor in before you closed up the cap. I have
forgotten to do this more than once.
Best of luck and keep me posted.
John McEwen
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