How did you do that? What you should have done was move the leads round so no.1 was where the rotor was pointing.
This ^^^ You MUST start from scratch . Pop off the RH side rocker cover . Turn engine over until cylinder #1 is at roughly at TDC on the firing stroke - neither rocker moving . Note the rotor arm position and pop the cap back on . Replace the HT for plug #1 to the nearest position of the rotor arm . Replace the rest of the leads working clockwise -4 - 3 - 2 . That`s all the leads in the correct position so time it up as normal - have a beer
If it’s seated properly, there should be absolutely no movement in the anticlockwise direction, and a bit of springyness clockwise (the mech advance). You shouldn’t be able to just turn it.
Can be deceptive. They can “fit” without the drive dogs fully engaged. Worst case, take the dissy out again and squint down the hole to check the drive dog slots.
Type-4? They're a bit "funny" I find - they try to convince you you're in the slot when you're 180 degs out.
Do you have a Haynes manual , or a manual of any description ? If not it`s guesswork which could end in tears ..
Well that prediction was pretty accurate. (I do have a Haynes manual but still can’t work it out). One of the problems was not having the distributor on correctly so that the rotor arm wasn’t turning easily. With much faff I managed to get it in so the rotor arm was barely moving and changed the HT leads round so that it was pointing to number 1. Still didn’t start on first attempt but I could tell it was doing something this time so was feeling encouraged ......Second time, gave it a bit of welly and then BANG a huge noise . Our Van (Bruce) and I have now agreed to spend a bit of time away from each other which I think is for the benefit of both of us. Now to find a home mechanic, someone who knows what they’re doing
I thought after watching a YT video that the timing was done after starting and that if the rotor arm was lined up with number 1 roughly that would be enough to start it. I was very wrong. Hope no damage is done.
I’m just outside Cambridge. Help from anyone nearby would be fab, though off on hols for a few days now. At least the choice of which vehicle to take has been decided.
You're 180 degs out - proper backfire through the carb. Don't give up so easily. Either the distributor isn't engaged with the drive correctly in which case just remedy that, OR if it is correctly seated, move the leads around 2 places.
