6 replies to this topic

[chastings68]

I recently bought a 74 mini and Im having timing trouble.  I broke the distributor cap getting it off; it took a week for the new one to come in and I’ve forgotten how to attach the wires.  When I attach them using the firing order I found in the Haynes Classic Mini Manual, the engine doesn’t start, but it does backfire!  When I attach them how I remember, the engine wont even backfire.

It’s a 74 Mini, with electronic ignition (it uses a 65D distributor cap)

As youre in front of the car, the engine is marked

1239408 (left side)

10J3 (right side, by the thermostat housing)

12A2BG03 279114 (right side front)

 

How do I check valve timing?  How do I hook up the distributor?

Thanks in advance!

 

[timmy850]

Try this link, it has a helpful picture

http://www.theminifo...ence/?p=1423374

[chastings68]

Thanks,

The PO labeled the wires 1234, from left to right as youre looking at the engine.

What a weasel

[nicklouse]

the Mini dis not get an A plus engine till 1980 so don't get hung up on the year of the car.

 

get the info for the engine (presuming that that is original for the engine).

[chastings68]

yepyep, thanks.

Its raining/sleeting now.  I probably wont be able to work on her til Saturday.

[chastings68]

I hooked up the plugs as per the picture and the engine started right up!
​Then died. 

No matter how much throttle I gave her.  When I squirt starter fluid into the carb, it runs.

The fuel pump looks mechanical.  Its in back of the engine.

There's fuel at the carb (it squirts out the hose when I disconnect)

I looked at another forum's pix;

http://www.mmoc.org....t=hif38#p490498

 

 

The mixture screw in my carb is covered with what looks like shellac.  I could dig it out but the carb worked (sort of; it did, then refused to start without starter fluid, so I took it apart and cleaned everything and out it back together).

So what's next?  And thanks all! 

[chastings68]

It starts!
​But I dont know why.

I removed the fuel hose going in to the carb to check it again; fuel came out when the engine was turned over.

I filled the little oil well in the carb with 1-20W.  I cant find 20W anywhere.

I replaced that battery.  Went from whir...............whir................whir to whir.whir.whir.start! 

It only runs with the choke pulled out, which sucks, because its been warm our today.

I'm going to fix the valve cover leak tonight and take it for a spin.

Thanks all!
​C