You need these three basic things to fire up, everything else is an
adjustment:
Spark
Fuel
Compression
Check the spark first. Take a plug and attach it to each spark lead, one
at a time. Hold the plug against the head (preferably with insulated
pliers) and turn the engine over. If you don't have spark, then
troubleshoot the ignition system. Do you have points or electronic
ignition? Check points for opening and closing properly and being in
good condition. If you have a Pertronix you may have fried it. If so,
put the points back in and try it that way.
If all plugs are firing, check the fuel supply next. Check to see if you
have fuel entering the carbs. Remove the fuel line and hold the end in a
coffee can and see if the fuel pump is pumping. DO NOT MESS WITH THE
CARBS YET! Most of what can be done with the carbs is an adjustment.
Unless they have an internal blockage or you did something to them after
you took them off they should be fine. Rarely does a problem with the
carbs cause a start/no-start situation.
Compression might be an issue. Not to be patronizing (I've done more
stupid things, believe me) but did you put the pushrods back into the
engine and adjust the valves? Did you torque the head down properly?
You might turn the engine over with the valve cover off to check the
action of the valves. A compression check wouldn't hurt, but if the head
was put back on properly, the valves torqued, etc., there really
shouldn't be a compression problem.
Good luck, and let us know what you come up with. And don't forget to
make sure there is oil in the crankcase and coolant in the radiator.
Again, not being patronizing, I've just learned through experience (ahem)
that such things can happen in the excitement of getting the car running
again.
David Littlefield
On Sat, 2 Aug 2003 16:26:33 -0500 "Carter Tuggle" <goutvols2@mchsi.com>
writes:
> I'll try to be short. I have a 79 midget. I removed the head,
> replaced the
> head gasket and had a machine shop mill the head & check for cracks.
> I now
> have reinstalled everything but I can not get it started. I have to
> be
> overlooking something. It will turnover just fine. It just keeps
> cranking
> and cranking. I have changed the plugs twice. Checked the coil
> wires,
> checked the rotor arm. Any ideas of what I am missing? It did run
> prior to
> this. Thanks for your ideas..
>
> Carter
> 79 midget
>
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