In a message dated 97-01-07 17:18:21 EST, you write:
<< I took the distributor out again and checked the isulation. (this was
the most widely suggested remedy) I know have it set up it the following
order... insulator, points (spring), insulator, condenser, terminal, nut.
Is this
correct?
The car sounds like it is going to start, but it never turns over...
-= PAUL =- >>
Paul--sounds more like the timing is out. Here's what you do: pull the
plugs and take off the valve cover. Put the engine in neutral and crank the
engine over using the starter solenoid. Watch the inlet valve. It will open
(intake) then close (compression). When both are closed the car is at top
dead center (TDC). If you continue around, the exhaust valve will open.
Don't go that far.
With the car at TDC the mark on the pulley and the mark on the engne block
should line up. Back the engine off about 1/4" to handle advance. (Remember
the engine spins clockwise). I find the best way to do this is to either
twist the engine crank using a pair of channel lock pliers or use one of
Moss' knock off wrenches to lever the car wheel backwards. At any rate, the
timing mark on the crank should be moved counter clockwise about 1/4" (check
the manual for movement in degrees), so work from the right hand side of the
car.
Next insert the distributor so that the rotor lines up with the number 1
spark plug wire connection in the cap. The best way to do this is to put the
cap on and make a mark on the side of the distributor where #1 is. Remove
the cap. Do not tighten down distributor, but be sure it is fully seated. .
Get a test lamp with two alligator clips and clip one to the low tension
terminal and the other to ground. Turn on the ignition.
What happens is as follows. The distributor spins counter closckwise. The
points should just start to break open when the timing mark on the crank
comes up to the point 1/4" before TDC.
To get that point, turn the distributor counter clockwise until the test
light comes on (points open). Continue counter clockwise until the light
goes off (points close). Now turn the distributor clockwise until the light
goes back on You are now on the leading edge of the distributor cam for #1.
Turn off the ignition, replace the valve cover and hook up a timing light.
Start the car. Running the car at idle you should see the strobe pick up
the timing mark on the crank "holding" it still. As you increase engine
speed, the timing mark on the crank can be seen to creep towards you (move
counter clockwise) as the timing advance cuts in. If the distributor and the
timing mark do not line up at idle, twist the distributor slightly until the
mark and the strobe match. Do not grab the distributor by the plug wires
unless you wish to visualize the voltage levels associated with ignition.
Use the vacuum advance unit.
Once you're satisfied with the position of everythign, tighten down the
distibutor. I hope all this helps and that you get back on the road fast.
John Trifari 1980 MGB/1955 Healey BN1
Be sure to move the distributor unitl the lights go on and then off. If you
tighten down the distributor after the lights go on, you will be on thr
trailing edge of teh cam, and teh car will be totally retarded, and will not
start. and
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