Questionplease could you help a dolly based in cambs
ballist resistor type, aim was to clean up the head while
doing the head gasket started before but not now.
compression 150psi on all four plug holes. i have fuel,i
have correct timing to at least start, i have new correct
distributor cap and rotor arm and condenser, new coil and
old working one, i have got a high torque starter motor now
inplace and a 440 amp 12 volt batter in place, new fuel in
place. also i have good new ht leads and plugs as well as
old working ones might be a poor spark but there is one if
it could be this how could i improve it? or other things
that could be at fault? i had it running lumpy on reassembly
but due to poor hayes manual the head went due to weak
`torque settings now sorted but not even a single fire of
life. leads and plug in correct firing order.
i am a young car lover trying to modern a classic for others
to take interest, plus I love my old cars. sorry to write a
lot but trying to clear up the usual bits.
many thanks cole
AnswerHi Cole,
We never got any of the Dolomites here in the US but that doesn't matter because an engine that don't start is the easiest one to diagnose.
All engines only require three items to run. Compression, fire and fuel.
You have already tested compression so it is fire or fuel that is not correct. A simple test is to get a spray can of starting fluid (available at any auto parts store) Have someone try to start the engine while you spray starting fluid in the intake. If it starts for a second or two or will keep running only if you keep spraying, then you know it is a "Fuel" problem. If it don't start for a second or two with the starter fluid spray then you know you have a "Fire" problem (ignition).
Once you have established "Fuel" or "Fire" as the cause then you need to start the next tests. let me know what the results are and I will tell you the next tests to run. No need to buy any parts for it until you find what is wrong and that must be from testing only.
Howard
