Hi Bill,
Several things to consider.
First priority is spark and ignition timing.
Once you get that right, then check fuel.
To run tests by turning the engine, take all the plugs out. Its easier to
begin that way.
Its possible you have the distributor 180 degrees off, sending the spark to
the number 4 plug (1-3-4-2 firing order). That way you'd hear a spark at the
rotor (it jumps a gap there, the rotor doesn't hit it), but the plug is still
in the engine.
To check, make sure the pointer on the timing cover is lined up with the
groove or hole on the crankshaft pulley, and #1 piston at TDC (look in spark
plug hole). If #1 is not at TDC, rotate the engine 180 degrees until the mark
lines up again. Number 1 piston should then be at TDC.
Then see if the rotor is pointing approximately toward #1 cylinder. If not,
you'll need to pull the distributor out, rotate the rotor so it is pointing at
#1, allowing for the angle of the drive gear, and put the distributor back in.
You may have to do this several times, as Bob was saying, until you've got the
rotor pointing to #1. The plug wires and low tension lead should not be
strained at all once it is in the right place.
>From here you can proceed with what Bob was saying for setting the ignition
timing with a light, remembering that the rotor turns counter-clockwise during
normal operation.
Get back to us,
Pete Thiel
53 TD
----- Original Message -----
From: "Bill Snyder" <wtsnyder@bellsouth.net>
To: "MG T List" <mg-t@autox.team.net>
Sent: Wednesday, November 16, 2005 12:56 PM
Subject: Startup Problems
>I have the day off today and finally I am trying to get this '53 TD
> started. I have good oil pressure when turning the engine over without
> the ignition on (after priming the oil pump). I have tried to set static
> ignition timing using a Colortune. With #1 cylinder at TDC and the
> ignition on, I slowing turn the distributor counterclockwise. I can hear
> a spark when the rotor hits the high tension lead but cannot see a spark
> from the Colortune. I have also tried a spark plug attached to the lead,
> out of the cylinder and making ground contact. Again, I can hear a spark
> when the rotor makes contact, but no spark from the plug. When doing
> this same thing but turning over the engine with the ignition on, the
> plug appears to spark properly as do the other plugs using the same
> method. The engine, however, will not fire with all plugs in place and
> the starter switch engaged and ignition on.
>
> Any advice? I am wondering if my coil output is not adequate to supply a
> strong enough spark for me to see the spark with the Colortune or when
> advancing the timing using a plug for visualization. Could the
> white/black and black wires to the coil be reversed? Could I just not be
> getting adequate fuel to the ignition chambers? Float bowls are full and
> the aftermarket fuel pump is pumping. The coil high tension wire has
> been rigging by the PO. The coil does not have a screw in type
> connection and the lead has just been shoved into the coil.
>
> Any and all input appreciated. I am ready to hear this engine go!
>
> Bill Snyder
> Waynesville, NC
> '53 TD
/// unsubscribe/change address requests to majordomo@autox.team.net or try
/// http://www.team.net/mailman/listinfo
/// Archives at http://www.team.net/archive/mg-t
|