39 replies to this topic

[ClassicAsh]

I have had a similar problem when starting my spi engine for the first time since rebuild last weekend.

I had fuel and spark, but the car wouldnt start.

 

The problem was the distributor shaft which was in the wrong position. When putting the distributor shaft in place, piston1 (timing chain side) must be at TDC on compression stroke. The position of the distributor shaft is indicated in the haynes manual.

Once the distributor shaft position corrected, the car started immediatly. 

 

That is my personal experience, hope it helps.

 

I thought it was impossible to get the flywheel on the wrong position since its design prevent it..?. ( thanks to the flywheel keyway locating plate, which locates the flywheel relatively to the crankshaft).

It is true that a wrong flywheel position would cause the same symptoms as a wrong distributor shaft position.

Exactly the same happened to me ! scratching my head for days then thought ahhhhhhhhh! distributor shaft ! half an hour later engine started and me whooping around the garage !

[viz139]

If I understand the first post correctly you rebuilt the engine crashed the car and than fitted the engine into another car. Has the engine ,clutch or dizzy been apart since the engine last ran?

[genpop]

The distributor was left in place. I had the flywheel off to replace the seal behind it.

Hi Viz, did you read the complete thread?

[viz139]

ops forgot that line

If the crank is 180 deg out it still should start as the spark fires every 180 deg and the dizzy which hasn't been moved sends it to the correct cylinder. Did you check the head of the crank sensor for damage from the flywheel been on and off?

[xrocketengineer]

Check the orientation of the distributor.

 

 

Edited by xrocketengineer, 24 January 2020 - 01:58 PM.

[1293spi]

Thanks for both of your replies.

I have the flywheel off now and it was fitted the correct way.

I haven't removed the distributor since changing the engine so it's still in the same place, but i will check it to be sure.

I've also fitted a new crank sensor and a new engine wiring loom, still only turning over and not starting.

[genpop]

To be honest, i`m out of ideas.

I hate this test, but you could try it. Take of the top of the aircleaner.Have somebody start the engine while you spray some brake cleaner into the throttle body.Let us know if the engine runs for a few seconds.Starting the engine by use of starting aid fluid can cause explosion or backfiring so be carefull and spray only small amounts!

[1293spi]

Already tried that, still not even sounding like it's trying to start

[genpop]

"The problem i have is that it will not start.
The engine turns over fine.
It has fuel.
It has spark.
It has a good earth.
The timing and compression is good.
Ht leads are in the correct places."

 

It must start!

 

Do you have a small presure gauge?(bycicle air pump) an y-piece ( from the windshield washer system or simular) so you could test fuel presure.Connect the y-piece  between rubber hose and metal tube at the front panel.Switch on ignition that the fuel pump primes.Should show 1 bar upwards.

[1293spi]

I don't have a guage so i'll see if i can get one at the bingley show tomorrow.
I don't really want to but i think it might be easier to just swap it to a carb now...

[xrocketengineer]

When you say that you have spark, do you mean at the plugs? 

[1293spi]

Yes spark at the plugs

[xrocketengineer]

Well, If you have everything and it does not start, it has to be timing or somehow some of the spark is getting to ground. Have you replaced the rotor and the distributor cap? It might be worth doing.   

[genpop]

Well, If you have everything and it does not start, it has to be timing or somehow some of the spark is getting to ground. Have you replaced the rotor and the distributor cap? It might be worth doing.   

and new spark plugs!

Have a look to the backside of the rotor, there`s a small nodge inside, if this is broken or missing ,timing is out of order!

by the way. what was damaged in the accident?

Edited by genpop, 26 January 2020 - 08:30 AM.

[1293spi]

Ok i'll try and get all the bits at the show today.
The damage was to the nsf wing and crushed the radiator.