Sounds to me like the plug order is mixed. Set the timing mark to TDC, check that #1 is #1 in the dizzy and the leads are in the right order (1342) put the ignition on and turn the dizzy till the points have just sparked. That should get your timing at a point close enough to run all be it lumpy.
Welung666 wrote:Sounds to me like the plug order is mixed. Set the timing mark to TDC, check that #1 is #1 in the dizzy and the leads are in the right order (1432) put the ignition on and turn the dizzy till the points have just sparked. That should get your timing at a point close enough to run all be it lumpy.
ITYM 1342? Cylinder 1 is the one nearest the radiator, and the rotor arm turns anticlockwise.
Alex Holden - http://www.alexholden.net/
If it doesn't work, you're not hitting it with a big enough hammer.
Yes, 1342, a slip of the keyboard. But I agree- go back to basics, check timing, plug order. Check compression on each cylinder. Make sure there are no manifold leaks (inlet) and strip the carb and clean it carefully- actually cleaning the SU carb can make a big difference especially if the piston is sticking.
You didnt mention spark plugs- I would change these (properly gapped as well) and the air filter. (seen a few badly blocked ones recently).
But really rough running does suggest the car is only on two or three cylinders- maybe head gasket has gone between 2 and 3-check compression!. Also put fresh petrol in. It degrades and loses octane rating over the years.
rotate the engine to TDC (top dead centre), the no 1 cylinder should be at the top of the cylinder (carefully feel through spark plug hole with a screwdriver), then the rotor arm will point to no1 on the dizzy cap.
right got the timing roughly right and wiggled the points on the pump and it fired and ran lovely.
dodgy pump as well even with new points.
tried the points in 3 pumps none seem to work properly they tik for a few seconds then stop and don't seem to keep tickin once petrol has gone.
any ideas what i did wr4ong.
also got a prob with my head gasket now.
put a new one on whjiule engine wasm out and its leaking from no 1 just under the exhaust.
oils coming out i had a spare head could i put it on if i needed too or while it need machinin/ boring whatever its called to match.
could i wipe the head off and put some gasket seal on?
I love Minors... just when you fix something, another thing wears out.
I'm still hoping that by the time I've replaced every single component on mine I'll actually have a 'new' car thats 100% reliable and perfect.
Do previous owners always criminaly neglect maintenance or is it just all components are deigned to fail simultaineously?
Dunketh, I have had one failure in the last twelve year and that was the condensor in the dizzy, you will get there in the end, there aren't many cars you could mend with a knife and fork!!
well i re- sealed the head and it stopped the leak and then the engine run ok ish
it turned out to be the filter in the breather pipe.
mine had the tiny pancake filter running from the breather to the carb mainfold and that was dodgy.
but after all that the engine is shot.
engine cut out and water piled out of the rad at such a pressure and all brown sludge also and i've flushed it before i filled it.
so new engine good job i've got a spare.
out in half an hour and 3 to nearly get it back in lol.
back is killing me now lol and i'm soaked through as it chucked it down.
hopefully this engine will be better than the last i'll let you know tomorrow
I should read what I type before I click on submit 
