Engine trouble

Hi everyone,

Thought that I would change the fuel lines/spark plugs and fan belt. Took the dizzy cap off to check the state of it and all seemed well.

Tried running the van after the work and she wouldn't start. Found out that the leads were in the wrong position, changed them to match the Haynes manual, still no luck. Then I looked closely at the dizzy and the previous owner had marked each plug number on the dizzy cap. Swapped the leads and she fired up fine. Went for a drive and she had no power. Came back to find cylinders 3 & 4 not firing but evidence of fuel. Swapped the spark plugs to all the old ones, no difference.

The van was running fine until I carried out the work. Unsure what I have disturbed to cause the lefthand side to misfire or not spark?

Any ideas on what I have done or what I need to check?

 

Try your old leads

 

Haven't changed the leads :-(

 

Why did you change their position when it was running on all 4 cylinders previously? lol Sorry - couldn't resist.

You have 2 plug leads (that are next to each other on the cap) wrong. If it was 2 opposite ones if would backfire through the carb, just one wrong is impossible. and it wouldn't run if 3 were wrong.

 

She wouldn't start at all so removed the HT lead to see if lithe was a spark, which there was. So I thought it must be either the plugs, lead or dizzy. Using the manual I found the LT leads were wrong changed them, no luck. Put them according to the dizzy and cylinder 3 & 4 aren't work!! Arrrgghh she was running so well! Typical.

Thanks for your help, I will try swapping the LT leads. Swapped the opposite for 3 & 4. She misfired badly then so put back to original

 

:-(

 

Can anyone explain why the dizzy leads dot match the Haynes manual??

Cheers

 

Thanks

 

Now im confused

Was it firing on all four but not after a drive so after that you just swapped the spark plugs?

Are you sure the plug leads are located on the plugs properly?
You get a sort of feeling there connected as the seal connects with the tinware but a little further pushing you get a positive click as the ht lead locates onto the spark plug

 

Yes they are BaysArcher. 90 degs different. Also the dog could be fitted 180 degs out on either type making it possible for the leads to be anywhere you might like.

 

So, to the PO. If one side is working their leads must be right. You say that's 1 & 2.
Follow them to the distributor. 1 is clockwise from 2 so your pair , clockwise are 2-1. Next clockwise you want the lead from 4 which is LHS nearest the engine hatch. The other one goes on 3, RHS front of van.

 

OP if you distributor is the type without the vacuum can on the side, you should now find your leads are 90 degs out from the diagram in Haynes.

 

Crossed post. I hadn't finished, but that made me laugh when I read what I'd put.

 

Never ran properly since I worked only the engine.

 

Thanks for the advice, will try setting the lt leads again this weekend and fingers crossed

 

Find number 1 lead. Then, following clockwise round the dissy cap, fit leads 4, 3, 2. That'll give you the correct firing order.

 

whs
set the pulley on Top Dead Centre and the rotor arm should point to the post on the cap that goes to numer 1 cylinder, them is you turn the pulley and youll soon get the idea what one will come next 4.3.2.
unfortunately they rarely match the haynes diagram but the firing order is the same so once youve found out where number 1 is youre in business.
just a thought did you check the plugs have nipples on or not ? some leads clip on with nipples, with others you need to take them off.

 

Finally sorted. Thanks for all your help. Then reason for the issue was the fuel was contaminated. Drained and refilled - runs perfect. What a frustration that was!