firing on 1 cyilinder

[wazzup1994]

hi there everyone

i have a problem of my moggy only running one one cylinder!!!!

-i have checked all the valve clearances
- new spark plugs
- new ht leads
-new cap and arm
- new condenser
- checked the point on the distributer
- checked the timing
- also checked fuel mixture!!

the funny thing is the ht leads all give off a really good spark!! and if you just rest the ht lead next to the spark plug or rest on the top it runs on all 4!!! but as soon as it put on properly it is back to running on one!!!!

any one had this problem or got any solutions??? all idea would be much appreciated

thanks

Matt

[MarkyB]

What plugs are you using and what gaps?

Try again with the old leads.

[chickenjohn]

check the order of the leads, they should be 1342 in an anti clockwise direction around the distributor cap. Also check you have got the 1342 staring at the correct "1" so determine top dead centre.

[bmcecosse]

I can't see it ever running on '1' cylinder - 3 yes, and just about manages to keep going on '2'. Check valve gaps again, and a compression check - could be burned valve or blown headgasket I suppose. But most likely it is an oiled up spark plug (yes I know you have fitted new - but could be so much oil in there it instantly fouls up) - or as above - leads on wrong order......although that wouldn't 'correct' with lead held close to the plug. It IS the plug fouled - you need to find out why...

[simmitc]

Was it running correctly BEFORE you fitted all the new bits, or were the new bits to try and cure an existing problem?

[wazzup1994]

I have the right firing order and have tryed my old leads and it is the same as the new ones!!! The head gasket was about 2 months ago and was running fine after that!!! When the head gasket was done the valves were all reseated!!! So now close fully!!! But it is strange that it runs fine if there is a jumping spark going to the spark plug. It is almost like the ht lead is earthing out on the spark plug or something.

[bmcecosse]

Because as I have explained - the spark plug is fouled....... The extra gap you have created makes the volts build up - and then they jump your gap - and the fouled up gap inside the cylinder... But there must be a reason why the plug has fouled - and that's what you need to find. I assume the correct title for this thread should be ... NOT firing on 1 cylinder......

[katy]

What plugs are you using and what gaps?

Answer the question.

[wazzup1994]

It is the standard size gap on 3 pin earth spark plugs!!!!

[IslipMinor]

What are 3 pin earth spark plugs? I would try standard plugs such as Champion N9Y or NGK BP6ES, gapped to 0.025" or 0.6mm, and see if that cures the misfire.

Can you put your location up? Someone might be in the area to help you.

[bmcecosse]

As above -get some proper plugs - Champion N9Y in my book.......

[autolycus]

What are 3 pin earth spark plugs?

They were quite common at one time - my 1952 edition of The Modern Motor Engineer refers to them as an everyday item. There were usually three earth electrodes, pointing radially inwards towards the centre electrode - hence the advice, no doubt still being churned out by unthinking writers - to set plug gaps by bending the side electrode, not the centre one. I can't at the moment think of the advantage of them, as once one air gap has ionised and is conducting, why would the others start to do so?

Either these plugs have made a comeback, or someone really is pushing originality a long way.

Kevin

[MarkyB]

I'm thinking he's fitted resister plugs but we won't know till we get a straight answer.

[katy]

Matt, did you get it resolved yet?

[dalebrignall]

are they accuspark spark plugs they are 3 elctrode