14 replies to this topic

[The-Pocket-Rocket]

Hi, I have recently replaced my cylinder head gasket and now am having problems starting my engine. When replacing the rocker assembly, I had to adjust all of the tappets - is this right? I checked there was a spark at each plug and they were ok but weak, also the coil began to get warm - is this right......help!

Thanks

[lrostoke]

Yes it is normal to have to readjust the tappets.

Biggest mistake normally made is putting HT leads back on wrong. Are you sure they are in the correct order.

[Shifty]

Will the car actually start?

The coils getting warm because the ignitions on while you're messing around with.

I'd agree with the above that the firing order is wrong.

[The-Pocket-Rocket]

Yes it is normal to have to readjust the tappets.

Biggest mistake normally made is putting HT leads back on wrong. Are you sure they are in the correct order.

Thanks, I did wonder - I made a drawing of the dizzy cap and the order was 1342 anticlockwise

[The-Pocket-Rocket]

Will the car actually start?

The coils getting warm because the ignitions on while you're messing around with.

I'd agree with the above that the firing order is wrong.

Thanks, How would I check?

[lrostoke]

yeah thats correct, No 1 cylinder being nearest the radiator.. And No 1 on the dizzy normally about top right.

check the oil in the dashpot, carbs been off so might need some oil in there.

Appart from wrong wiring, they normally restart straight away after a head gasket.
I'm guessing you've done tappets before ?? they were adjusted right weren't they.

What about the low tension wires to the coil ?? are they on correct..

Edited by lrostoke, 28 February 2010 - 11:36 AM.

[Shifty]

It all sounds ok so far.

Are the plugs wet with fuel when you've been turning it over for a while?

[The-Pocket-Rocket]

yeah thats correct, No 1 cylinder being nearest the radiator.. And No 1 on the dizzy normally about top right.

check the oil in the dashpot, carbs been off so might need some oil in there.

Appart from wrong wiring, they normally restart straight away after a head gasket.
I'm guessing you've done tappets before ?? they were adjusted right weren't they.

What about the low tension wires to the coil ?? are they on correct..

Thanks, yes Iv'e done tappets quite a few times and am reasonably ok. I will check the low tension to the coil
and the dashpot
Thanks

[The-Pocket-Rocket]

It all sounds ok so far.

Are the plugs wet with fuel when you've been turning it over for a while?

Hi, Yes the plugs are wet, I took them out and dried them a few times

[Shifty]

Next thing is to check the points gap, that may have closed up.

[The-Pocket-Rocket]

Next thing is to check the points gap, that may have closed up.

Thank's, Have just re-charged the battery (run it down trying to start) and am replacing the points today.
I'll let you know
Thanks everyone
Andy

[Paul Wiginton]

Give your plugs a good clean, if its been difficult to start then they could be flooded which will compound the issue

[The-Pocket-Rocket]

Give your plugs a good clean, if its been difficult to start then they could be flooded which will compound the issue

Cheers everyone, some good advise. I am going outside now to check everything

[The-Pocket-Rocket]

Give your plugs a good clean, if its been difficult to start then they could be flooded which will compound the issue

Cheers everyone, some good advise. I am going outside now to check everything

changed everything without any luck. Hayes said to lubricate each cylinder well, which I did, but am now wondering if the plugs are oiling up. I have taken the plugs out and they look wet but don't smell of petrol?

[lrostoke]

I've never lubed a cylinder when replacing a head gasket.

Probably to much oil in there. Take all the plugs out, clean them up
Then turn the engine over a few times with the plugs out. If there is excess in there should get rid of it.