QuestionHi Howard,I've just rebuilt my two litre engine to a high standard but now it wont start!The engine turns, i get a spark at the plug it tries to fire but it wont run.The engine timing gear is spot on, the distributor rotor is set to no1 plug at TDC ( but not 180 degrees out).The plugs are good the ignition hi tension is clean and dry.
The carburetor is getting fuel and has had a complete service.H.T. Firing order is correct and compression is very good . But it still wont start! Any ideas please Howard.
AnswerHi Frank,
It can be frustrating to build an engine and it not start. You need to go to the basics to find the problem. All engines require only three things to run. Compression, fire and fuel with conditions on each.
Compression ---- Enough compression to start. (120 to 180 PSI on every cylinder)
Fire ------- Strong spark at each plug at close to the correct time.
(thick blue spark at about 10 to 12 degrees before TDC on the compression stroke)
Fuel ------- A combustible fuel available to the combustion chamber at close to the correct air/fuel ratio.
You said the rotor was pointing at #1 plug wire but you didn't say you set the timing to specs. After you do that and test the spark for a thick blue spark. Spray starter fluid or WD-40 into the intakes while someone else tries to start the engine. If it tries to run for a second or two on the spray fuel but will not run, you need to look into the carburetors.
Let me know,
Howard
