Starting problem - please help

[tunnyx]

Yes it is rather stretched - the dynamo seems to foul the path although it was like that before and it fired up happily before the service/pipes were replaced. Wiring is definitely fine, bottom right on the dizzy > port 1 (front of engine bay), then in an anticlockwise order goes to 3-4-2.

Air filter just taken off for the pics (and to try fuel directly into the carb).

It does 'start' per-se, in that I get smoke from the exhaust and the engine definitely turns over, but as soon as I release the starter it dies.

[David53]

OK I see the problem. The lead you have currentlygoing to number two should be going to number one. Then, 3-4-2 anticlockwise from there.

[tunnyx]

The lead that's currently going into spark plug 2 doesn't reach #1. I've had them all out and the only lead that reaches #1 spark plug is the one shown in the picture.

[David53]

Well, that's strange. I just went and checked mine to be sure (I have a side entry dizzy as well) and the way I describe is the way it should be.

[mike.perry]

Have you got a clearer photo of the dizzy cap.?
Have you checked with the rocker box off and that the rotor arm is in fact pointing to no1 cylinder and that the HT lead is in the terminal that the rotor arm is pointing to?
Make sure that you are not 180 deg out.

[tunnyx]

Here you go with a better picture of the dizzy/plugs order - again, all your help is much appreciated[frame][/frame]

[David53]

Well here is mine (ignore the numbers on the plugs - rather stupidly wrote them on left to right at sme stage not thinking)

[tunnyx]

Not sure if this helps, but I've taken a short movie so you can hear what happens when I try and start it....

http://www.filefactory.com/file/2p8lc06 ... G_0010_MOV

[mike.perry]

Looks OK provided the leads are in the correct plugs.
Having tried everything else, try moving the HT leads along one position 1 to 3, 3 to 4, 4 to 2, 2 to 1. If that does not work try moving the leads the other way, 1 to 2 etc.

Just a load of adverts for file factory, how do I run it?

[David53]

I am baffled. I know for a fact that the leads on my car are correct - she runs like a dream. So if you duplicate the order mine are in you should be fine. But if you say the leads won't reach....then....???

[tunnyx]

Yep, I've just adjusted the coil's location to free up a little bit of space and they still won't reach. The only one that reaches port 1 is the one at the bottom right of the dizzy cap. I've checked and the cap can only go on one way (otherwise the coil lead won't reach).

Can the leads be unplugged from the dizzy cap (if so, I'll go and buy some new longer leads and see if I can have a play with the orders)?

[tunnyx]

ref the video file:

Click the link, scroll down to the bottom and click 'slow download'. Enter the captcha codes

Then, scroll down again and wait 30 seconds and the slow dowload button will appear - click to download

[David53]

Yes inside the dizzy cap you'll see the leads are held in by screws that screw into and through the lead. Just unscrew these and the leads will pull out

[tunnyx]

Grr, cant get hold of any screw in type leads - I've purchased some easy start but that's made no difference.

I've taken apart the fuel fee/carb system as I still had thoughts that it may be something to do with that, but fuel's getting through, the piston moves freely and the needle's clean etc.

All put back together, re-checked spark at each plug (which there is).

As you say, its got to be something simple. The thing fires (as per my video) and then just dies. It starts but just won't run. Surely if the firing order was wrong it wouldn't even start at all?

I'm sure I bought him this as it was 'a simple engine' lol!

[mikeysmorris]

Hi, run a wire from the battery to the feed side of the coil and try to start it again, this could be an ignition switch fault from what you are telling us, IE engine runs on the starts position but dies when you release the key.
regards Mikey.

[bmcecosse]

David - the lead positions depend on the shaft location under the dizzy. So what suits yours may not be right on another. The firing order is correct. I would remove the brown 'suppressor' and the silly fuel filter! I agree - try a direct lead to the coil.

[tunnyx]

David - the lead positions depend on the shaft location under the dizzy. So what suits yours may not be right on another. The firing order is correct. I would remove the brown 'suppressor' and the silly fuel filter! I agree - try a direct lead to the coil.

Just to be sure (so I dont fry anything), as the car is positive earthed, which side of the coil is the feed and which side of the battery (+ or -)?

ta

[bmcecosse]

Non earth (so that's -ve for you) on the battery and SW on the coil.

[kennatt]

is the no one lead now free from the side of the coil,in the photos it looks to be touching quite hard,could be shorting out onto the case of the coil which would cause all sorts of problems with the coil itself. make sure it is isolated from the coil if you have not allready done this.longer lead or bit of rubber betweento test.or pull it off the plug out of the way it should still start and run on three.

[tunnyx]

Well done chaps, lead between battery and terminal on the coil allows it to run (very very fast I may add, possibly mix?). I've moved the coil forwards a bit so plug/lead 1 is now not tight to the coil.

Having done this test I've stripped back a bit of the feed wire as there was some damage to the wire, and reconnected it back up - thinking that this was the problem. But unfortunately not, without the test wire directly between the battery/coil it still wont keep running.

I've put a multimeter on the coil/battery and I'm getting 12.5v (battery is slightly run down from the continuous starting efforts), so I know the coil is getting 12v clean through but i'm still having the problem unless I use the test wire direct between the battery & coil. And when I do use the test wire, its as if its being given full throttle (but like I say, not sure if this is just a mixture issue as there's been quite a bit of fiddling going on.

I've also noticed that we're getting no ignition lights, but I think this is a separate problem - if the ignition is off, the engine doesnt fire at all, whereas with the ignition on I do get a fire (but the same cut out).

So, were getting somewhere, but still have a problem. Any further ideas?

Cheers again y'all - much appreciated.

Mark & Jack