7 replies to this topic

[garethr123]

Hi all. Im here reaching out in despair at my mini. Its originally a mayfair, converted to a convertible and running a 1275 currently.

 

So i have restored the body but not the engine. All i did was remove the head (changed gaskets) repainted and refitted. 

 

Ive checked static timing (tdc...... rocking on 4, rotor pointing approx 2 o'clock position) and also been over the rockers and adjusted tappets.

 

On the current system 65dm4 distributor and dlb102 coil. I have a good spark and fuel but no starting...... I get a little back fire from time to time and the carb breather coughs some white/grey smoke but nothing!

In desperation i have removed the full ignition system and carb from my spare mini (next project). Fitted all this and guess what.....Nothing!! same stuff even though the spare mini was driven a week ago so i know its good.

 

So here i am people, a damsel in distress seeking a gurus help.

 

By the way, tried clamping off the fuel line and tipping fuel into the carb, same results...nothing.

 

thanks guys and gals

[garethr123]

just a thought. Reading a link somewhere online led me to believe that tdc cylinder 1 has the rockers on 4 loose. However now I'm home, showered and semi relaxed i can help but believe that would be wrong....... surely tic would be white mark on pulley, piston 1 at the top of its cycle and rockers on number 1 will be relaxed.....

 

Confirmaation might help me sue this :) thanks

[dklawson]

The rotor pointing at #2 and rockers "rocking" only applies if everything is still in the original factory positions.  I suggest the following.

 

Remove the rocker cover so you can see the rocker arms.

Remove the dizzy cap but leave the rotor in place.

Remove the spark plugs.

With the gearbox in neutral, turn the engine over (in the NORMAL direction of rotation) by hand using the fan and fan belt until the desired timing marks line up.

(For static timing you want the pointer to line up with a mark somewhere/anywhere between 5 and 8 BTDC.)

Cylinder #1 is the water pump end of the engine.  

Grab the rocker arms for cylinder #1.  They should be "loose" where you can wiggle them.  

If the rocker arms are tight, turn the engine through one more complete revolution stopping ag 5 to 8 BTDC.

Grab the rocker arms for #1 again.  This time they should be loose.  Let us know if they are not.

 

With the engine sitting at the desired static timing position, offer the dizzy cap up to the dizzy.  Note where the rotor is pointing on the cap.  Run a spark plug wire from that cap terminal to cylinder #1.   This MAY or MAY NOT be pointing at 2:00 o'clock depending on how the distributor drive gear is oriented in the block.

Now fit the remaining plug wires and plugs to the engine in the order 1-3-4-2 with the wires organized COUNTERCLOCKWISE from the first wire you installed on the cap.

 

Do you know how to complete static timing?  If not, post back and we can talk about that.

 

Once the plug wires are on in the correct sequence and the static timing is set the engine should start if you have fuel and compression.

[garethr123]

That brilliant thanks for your in depth response.

Just to clear up, I've been referring to #1 and I am using the cylinder fan end, this is when the rotor arm is facing the 2oclock position.

HOWEVER..... i forgot to mention the distributor drive hear was removed by myself, so I cannot clarify as to wether I've set it up 180 degrees out. The last time I checked I had #1 cylinder top dead and timing mark on the pulley however the rockets were right and #4 rockets were loose. This is where I feel I've made a boo boo.

You staying about the rockers on #1 being loose means I shall have a double check tomorrow.

I'm not totally ofay with the static timing however I just have a vague self taught idea.

Thanks again

[dklawson]

OK then... if the rotor was pointing to 2:00 when the rockers arms for #1 were "tight" the drive gear may be out 180.  Let us know what you find tomorrow. 

[Spider]

Yeah, given your initial description, the timing sounds around 180⁰ out.

[garethr123]

Easy when you know how. I had put the dizzy drive shaft in 180 degrees out. Ran a treat this morning.

Thanks all

[dklawson]

Excellent news!  I'm glad it was easily sorted and thanks for posting your findings.