Intermittent Sparking at the Spark Plug

[nam]

Ok I will go try that. I'm thinking if the mark lines up exactly on 2 and 3 then if u mark the exact opposite of the pulley with a mark. It should be the timing mark for 1 and 4? It's like the pulley has been put on 180 degrees wrong.

[bmcecosse]

Yes - it will be. TBH -I've NEVER used 'timing marks' - there's no point! The chop-stick never fails, and saves crawling about on knees trying to look at timing marks....... It's time to get your engine started!

[nam]

Well I decided to re-do the valve tappet clearances with a feeler guage so they were right, found compression on 1 just to make 100% sure it was right at the top I used a torch to see where it came right up on cylinder 1.

Then moved the dizzy around, I had to do it about 45 degrees clockwise from vertical and checked the points just opened with a feeler guage (i love this little tool). Then tightened it all up, sparks in. 1,3,4,2. Rocker cover on. Ignition on, choke out. And gave it a pull...

BOOM

We have ENGINE START for the first time in over 18 years , it burst into life. I put it into 1st gear and moved it a little and it moved, no brakes yet. The turned it off and re-started it a few times. It started within a second of pulling the starter.

Sounds like she heard you BMC. Thank you to everyone for the help. So happy! [frame][/frame]

[MarkyB]

Top job!
Perseverance pays off!

[IslipMinor]

Excellent indeed, and very satisfying!

Out of interest if you get No. 1 at TDC and firing, where is the timing mark notch on the crankshaft pulley?

[nam]

Yes very happy. I understand much more about engines now. Before I could only do basic servicing.

The timing mark was like my diagram. Looking from the front it was approx at 2 o clock. I just ignored it.

[MarkyB]

A picture of the pulley would help, as I said the pointer was moved to a more "user friendly" position on later A series.
The marks on the desirable anti-vibration crankshaft pulley will be in the wrong place as yours are.

[nam]

Here you go, best picture I could get.

It is a later engine as it's 1098cc, but I know nothing more.

[frame][/frame]

[drivewasher]

That's NOT a timing mark. It's a damaged pulley.
The timing mark is on the rear/inside pulley edge and is just like a thick hacksaw blade cut. You almost have to feel it with your fingernails

[nam]

Really, haha now that's funny. Well guess it's a good thing I managed to do it with the compression method. I will have to have a feel around for the other mark tomorrow.

[PaulTubby]

That pulley will straighten easily....

[bmcecosse]

Well done - it's been a trial.... But you MUST either renew or straighten that dented pulley !

[nam]

Yes I plan to straighten it. Any ideas. If I take the front grill and radiator off to get access will it come off easily?

Then I could try hammer it or put it in a vice on the edges?

[bmcecosse]

You first need to loosen the starter dog..... And if you remove the pulley you would really need to renew the oil seal in the timing case...... I doubt a 'vice' will straighten the pulley - but it could hold it (pad the jaws) while you work on the dent with gentle persuasion.

[nam]

Cheers. It was flimsy enough to bend outwards with pliers from the top. So its fairly straight for now, it does not interfere with the rubber.

Had to give her some throttle to start her today. More readingto do! For now I turned the screw to give it more idle speed.

[bmcecosse]

Hahahaha - you'll wear out the starter..........with all these repeated checks to see if it still starts!