Why did you change the ignition timing? In your description you say you
found and fixed the manifold leak, and "rough timed it using one of those
whistles that screw in like a spark plug and let you find tdc". If the
engine was running, there was no reason to change the ignition timing.
Since it was running, and now isn't, I'd say the change in ignition timing
is the most likely cause of the new unwillingness to start. While it's
tempting to blame the weak looking spark, that probably isn't it.
Unless there's a good reason to ignore the crankshaft pulley, that's the
best way to set your baseline ignition timing. You should also pull the
valve cover to ensure you are at TDC of the compression stroke, not the
exhaust stroke.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Roger Elliott" <elliottr@rmi.net>
Subject: [TR] Spitfire Ignition Problems
>I have been trying to figure out the starting problem on my Spitfire for
>quite awhile now.
> My problem all started with a hole in the intake manifold. I had driven
> it to work - about 45 miles. The last 2 miles it was running very rough,
> but I made it to work. After work the Spitfire refused to start so I had
> it towed home. After working on it a couple of different times I finally
> found the hole on the underside of the intake manifold. This is on a dual
> SU setup.
>
> I had the throttle return springs hooked up to a bracket bolt to the
> underside of the manifold - normally it the intake would have been bolted
> to the exhaust manifold, but I have an exhaust header. The springs
> apparently had enough pressure to break the manifold. So I got that
> repaired.
> I thought that the Spitfire would fire right up once I bolted everything
> back on. I got new throttle return levers so I could hook the springs up
> the way they should be. I rough timed it using one of those whistles that
> screw in like a spark plug and let you find tdc.
>
> Anyway, now the car still will not start. It seems to have pretty good
> spark at the coil wire, but at the spark plug wires it seems to have a
> puny yellow spark instead of a good blue one. I have replaced the
> distributor cap and rotor and plugs, tried two sets of wires, two or three
> coils. It still seems to have a weak spark at the plugs. Oh, I should
> mention it has a Pertronix ignition system. I checked that according to
> their web site - it was okay. I put on a new one as I decided it would
> not hurt to have a spare anyway.
>
> So what else do I check?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Roger Elliott
> 80 Spitfire
=== This list supported in part by The Vintage Triumph Register
=== http://www.vtr.org
|