Land Rover Repair: 87 classic no start, air flow meter, rotor arm


Question
Hello, I have a 1987 RR Classic that will not start. I have spark at coil & plugs, fuel (tested 0volts), and checked timing tdc. I took it to a shop and they said it may be timing chain, but they won't work on it. Could you please let me know what else to check before tearing into the timing chain to inspect. Thanks for the help.

Answer
Check to make sure the rollover (inertia) switch has not been activated.  This switch is on the bulkhead on the passenger side.  You can also crank the vehicle while spraying Easy Start into the air flow meter.  If it starts, you most likely have a fuel pump problem.  Finally, check the rotor arm in the distributor.  A bad rotor arm normally gives a spark all the way to the plug, but under load, shorts the ground not allowing it to start.  The likelihood of the timing chain jumping is minimal (basically unheard of).