wont start

[repete]

OK, I'm out of idea's here so I'm asking for and confirming info.
First off engine is a rebuilt 1725cc that has run since rebuild (so I was told)
Engine was a little "stiff" turning over so I pulled the plugs and put oil (10w) in cyl. then turned over some. Next cleaned plugs, added fresh gas,points and condenser= had a very weak spark so I tossed on a spare coil-WOW GOT SPARK NOW. Cranked her over but got nothing but backfireing (when I changed the points I found the dist. very loose) so brought it around to #1 TDC on the compression and moved dist. till #1 plug sparked. Should be good right? Wrong, I've checked this seveveral times and still won't fire up. I may have some bad info. or I'm doing something wrong repeatedly.
Fireing order is 1-3-4-2 correct?
#1 is closest to the rad. correct?
If the fireing order is 1-3-4-2 that would mean that the wires on the dist would go ( counter clockwise) #1 then the nxt would go to the third cyl from the front, then the next wire would go to the last cyl. ect
Am I thinking about this wrong? Any help would be great!

 

[tony perrett]

Is the engine turning over fast on the starter? If not, and the engine is newly installed, check that it has a good earth to the chassis.

 

[howard]

It's probably NOT the problem, but I'd replace the plugs rather than cleaning them. They can look fine but still not be firing properly. IMHO

 

[Tom H]

Just to clarify what Tony was saying: Are you sure you have a ground strap, from engine to chassis. The original was a braided strap from the tranny to the chassis at the tranny mounting bracket. One end of strap is under a bolt head that goes into the tranny and other end goes under a bolt head into the chassis. Some owners have replaced this with a more visible strap or short heavy cable in the engine compartment, from block to firewall. What does your Alpine have?

Tom

 

[sunbby]

Fireing order is 1-3-4-2 correct?
#1 is closest to the rad. correct?
If the fireing order is 1-3-4-2 that would mean that the wires on the dist would go ( counter clockwise) #1 then the nxt would go to the third cyl from the front, then the next wire would go to the last cyl. ect
Am I thinking about this wrong? Any help would be great!

Yes that sounds correct. The static timing should be 8 deg BTDC, sounds like you are starting with 0 degrees, although I would think it should still start with that setting.

FYI, there is an online manual here: http://www.rootes1725cc.info/ which has all of this information.

Is the dizzy loosening up again? I think I remember people having issues with the clamp. Also I guess you don't want the clamp too tight because it can crack the dizzy.

Good luck.

 

[MikeH]

Are you getting enough fuel flow? Are the plugs wet? Have you tried starting fluid to get it started?

 

[RootesRich]

I suspect that the dizzy is 180 deg off if you're getting a spark and backfiring. You can read up on the dizzy installation proceedure in the online manual or do a Forum search then verify with what you see.

 

[repete]

Thanks for the reply's, I'll look into that ground strap just in case, it does spin over as fast as I'd expect, the plugs look good but hay it's only 4 so I'll pick up some. Yes it's getting fuel (flooded it once) and Iv'e gotten some pretty load back fires useing starter fluid. I'll keep you up dated but it will be a week or so before I can do anything with it. Thanks again

 

[George Coleman]

Be careful using that starter fluid, years ago I burn a hole in a piston using that stuff