Hi Jon,
Hmmmmm.... Dry #1 plug, but since #2's firing, the front carb is
delivering gas. Rear is delivering gas, obviously. I have to agree
with Lew Palmer, that this is an ignition problem.
Try this: When it is running, take off one of the non-running
plug leads at the spark plug end. hold it close to ground (you may
want to use a pair of insulated pliers, or plug wire pullers). Do you
see a spark? If so, you have ignition. If not, your problem is the
plug wire or before. If they spark, especially #3 & #4, which are
soaked, then the plugs are saturated, get yourself a new set of N9Y's
for all of 6 bucks. Also, when the rotor is pointed to #1 position,
are any valves open? Take off the rocker cover to verify (costs you
another $1.50 gasket!). Hate to ask.......do you have the distributor
rotation correct re: firing order? The distributor rotates counter
clockwise. I don't mean to make this negative by asking this. I know
I'VE done this one! On my fathers brand new 1969 Ford!
Carbs: A stock '73 has HIF carbs, no external float bowl is the
give-away here. Swapping to earlier HF's, external float, is not
uncommon. They're no big deal to rebuild, unless the bushings are
worn, but carbs and I do not get along. I think I was conked off the
head with a Stromberg 97 as a baby, but I digress. I send mine out to
John Twist, University Motors. Not Cheap. Beautiful Work. Are all the
lines for the carbs there? Since the DPO put in an "improved"
aftermarket pump, I'd be suspicious of ANY DPO "modifications". Have
you done the rubber hose test? No! No! Not beating yourself with one
(just yet, anyway!), stick one end in your ear (really!), and the
other in the throat of each carb, you should hear identical, er,
sucking sounds. If not, the carbs are out of balance. I'm wondering if
the pump was connected to the rear carb & is not getting enough to the
front, that's why I asked about the hoses.
Hope this has been of some help, let us know how you make out!
Colin WA1KWA
bracec@a1.mgh.harvard.edu
74 MGB
73 BMW 3.0s
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