51 replies to this topic

[Outofthegame]

Hey there, 

 

I started my new engine up yesterday. Only fires on the outside two cylinders. 

 

- Sparks at plugs

 

 - Smells of fuel. 

 

 - Occasional smoke in cylinders when outside two are revved and then sparkplug removed on 2 and/or 3. 

 

998 with an overbore (new rings and honed etc etc), on a 1275 head with pocketed block, and what I think is a 286 or SW10 camshaft, standard D59 lucas points distributor.

 

Plug gaps have been set as have the tappets. 

 

My thoughts -

 

Head gasket hasn't settled between the two cylinders. 

 

I DO NOT HAVE ACCESS TO A COMPRESSION TESTER. However I'm more than happy to whip the head off as it's on a mini with no heater or other bits. 

 

 

I just wanted confirmation that my hypothesis is probably right. 

I also wondered if there is anything else that would cause 2 & 3 not to fire such as cam or ignition timing or fuelling?

 

 

 

 

[Yoda]

Check that you have the HT leads in the right order.

 

1-3-4-2  Anticlockwise from the two o'clock position on the dizzy cap. Assuming you have a dizzy and not Megajolt. If megajolt it could possibly be coilpack breaking down.

 

Also check your Valve gaps again. You dont want to mess around putting another Head gasket on if you dont need to. Maybe its time to invest in a cheap Compression tester from Halfords or Ebay

Edited by Yoda, 25 May 2014 - 11:18 AM.

[Outofthegame]

Order correct

[Outofthegame]

The gaps are fine as well. 

 

Thanks Yoda

[KernowCooper]

Compression check as Yoda said above,you'll have to get a distributor with a different curve sorted out when running the 59D standard curve will not give the required advance on your engine. Aldon yellow for road use will be better.

[Outofthegame]

Aside from the compression check thing. 

 

What would cause this? My theory is the head gasket or a compression issue would be the only cause of no firing on those two cylinders

[Yoda]

where in kent are you?

 

Pm me if near Dartford.

[Outofthegame]

where in kent are you?

 

Pm me if near Dartford.

Sorry mate other end, the Ramsgate side (sort  of)

[Yoda]

No worries, i could have popped round and sorted it if i was local.

[Outofthegame]

I'm just going to whip the head off I think

[KernowCooper]

I'd compression check it first !

[Yoda]

Oy Kernow, Said that already i have! HHHMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

 

Wet and dry test will give plenty of clues, even more with a leakdown or smoke test.

Edited by Yoda, 26 May 2014 - 05:40 PM.

[Yoda]

I just re read OP's original post.

 

I now have a question. 

 

Install the new rings who did.

 

Broke them maybe you did.

 

The head gasket would have to be pretty much destroyed to not fire at all on those cylinders.

 

Wet and dry test is imperative at this point right now. pulling the head and finding a good gasket, and good sealing valves will lead to suspecting rings, but wont prove anything.

 

Who timed in the cam? have you checked this? could be timed 180 degrees out. or anywhere in between!

 

 

Could be anything Hmmmmmm! Without doing certain tests you may as well be spitting into the wind my friend.

[Outofthegame]

I just re read OP's original post.
 
I now have a question. 
 
Install the new rings who did.
 
Broke them maybe you did.
 
The head gasket would have to be pretty much destroyed to not fire at all on those cylinders.
 
Wet and dry test is imperative at this point right now. pulling the head and finding a good gasket, and good sealing valves will lead to suspecting rings, but wont prove anything.
 
Who timed in the cam? have you checked this? could be timed 180 degrees out. or anywhere in between!
 
 
Could be anything Hmmmmmm! Without doing certain tests you may as well be spitting into the wind my friend.

Rings were done by me, I've done plenty of rings before so I doubt I put it on wrong.

Cam was timed using dot to dot and then adjusted on the vernier. I wouldn't have thought it would have fired up the way it has if the cam timing was so far out.

Edited by Outofthegame, 26 May 2014 - 06:36 PM.

[Outofthegame]

My hearing isn't what it used to be, I've got her in a big echo room just on the manifold.