Seized Alternator

[RussLCV]

Still no joy with it running so I guess I have naffed up rebuilt as its not working!!

Plugs wet and have been removed, firing order correct and a good spark at the plugs..............so I guess it all needs to come out

Had enough now 2 weeks and the bugger will not start

[bmcecosse]

Taking it out won't do any good! The devil is in the detail, and it can all be checked with the engine in the car...... Did you double check the camshaft timing when you built it all up? Is it a standard cam and standard timing chain? How do you KNOW the ignition timing is anything like correct?

[RussLCV]

moved dizzy so many times.................now I have no idea

Crank & cam when rebuilt years ago marks all lined up so I am now lost as to why it will not run even badly!

[bmcecosse]

It must be something simple - provided the cam is timed in correctly - it WILL run.

[RussLCV]

not sure what else I can do

[bmcecosse]

Call a friend.......?????
If there are sparks at more or less the right time, and a supply of fuel - it will run. This strange fuel pump - could it be flooding the carb? Let it fill the carb and then take the connection off so it can't 'flood'. And crank the dizzy timing forwrad until it kicks against the starter - and then take it back slightly. I assume you are using fresh petrol - not stale old stuff? Have you tried a new set of plugs? I once had a problem like this on a mates MGB - he had tried and tried to get it started and in desperation he asked me over - I tried all the usual tests and all seemed well. I asked him about the plugs - yes, nice new set of NGKs fitted - I took them out and fitted an old set of Champions from my tool bag - it started immediately....... We refitted the NGKs - no start. They are now somewhere in the field behind his house.......

[simmitc]

We seem to have wandered from a jammed alternator to an engine that won't start

Back to basics:
Is there good compression on all four cylinders?
Is the piston in the carb moving freely?
Is there a good supply of fresh petrol?
Is the choke working?
You say that spark is good - is that good on all four AFTER the distributor? If just testing the lead from the coil, then it could be a rotor arm or cap causing a problem.
Ignition timing is simple to check. For starters, get number 1 to compression, then line up the timing marks. Is the rotor arm now pointing to number 1 lead? It is easy to have the firing order correct, but to be sending the spark to the wrong cylinder!

Check the above and report back. As BMC says, if all is correct, then it will start. They are simple and reliable lumps, so however frustrating it is, just take it one step at a time, we're with you all the way.

[mike.perry]

If all else fails _ Kick the hub caps

[RussLCV]

not been out the garage...............had enough at present done so much work and nowt back!

[Pikey]

Russ
Can I come and have a go at her for you?

Youve had her running but only on three cylinders? Or is she not firing at all?

Cheers

Steve