10-11-2022, 10:45 AM
Hi, folks, this is my first thread on the website after joining some months ago and need some help.
I have an Austin that I just cant get started with the correct firing order. I have read other articles on this but still stumped. The car was running fine until recently ,I replaced the fuel tank as the old one was rusty, new fuel lines and rebuilt the fuel pump and carb. I took of the distributor and replaced it with a new electronic ignition unit . I also fitted a new wiring harness and exhaust whilst the car was in bits. What a good job......I thought.
On trying to start the thing it would not run at all. I checked for leaks in the fuel system but none found and the pump was working well. Checked for leaks in the carb and manifold but nothing noted. Checked the electric side and there is 6 volts to the coil and a good spark at the plugs. The firing order was correct 1342 from the radiator end and correct on the cap running clockwise 1342. All in line with the flywheel 1/4 marking about 1 1/2 inches from TDC. Checked the compression ,all around 60 but would still not start. I took the electronic ignition off and replaced it with the old points system ,still nothing. Losing my patience I started to swap the leads around and found that the car started with the leads in reverse order (number 1 being next to the bulkhead ). The car ran but not very well. The revs were up and down and high even with the idle screw turned right out and sounded rough and unhappy, with the odd pop from the carb. I tried turning the distributer in all directions when the car was running but made only very slight improvements to the engine which stalled once you touched the throttle.
I have reverted back to the proper firing order ,taken the distributor out and turned it just about every degree around and replaced it but still nothing.
I am at a loss. Any ideas ?
John
I have an Austin that I just cant get started with the correct firing order. I have read other articles on this but still stumped. The car was running fine until recently ,I replaced the fuel tank as the old one was rusty, new fuel lines and rebuilt the fuel pump and carb. I took of the distributor and replaced it with a new electronic ignition unit . I also fitted a new wiring harness and exhaust whilst the car was in bits. What a good job......I thought.
On trying to start the thing it would not run at all. I checked for leaks in the fuel system but none found and the pump was working well. Checked for leaks in the carb and manifold but nothing noted. Checked the electric side and there is 6 volts to the coil and a good spark at the plugs. The firing order was correct 1342 from the radiator end and correct on the cap running clockwise 1342. All in line with the flywheel 1/4 marking about 1 1/2 inches from TDC. Checked the compression ,all around 60 but would still not start. I took the electronic ignition off and replaced it with the old points system ,still nothing. Losing my patience I started to swap the leads around and found that the car started with the leads in reverse order (number 1 being next to the bulkhead ). The car ran but not very well. The revs were up and down and high even with the idle screw turned right out and sounded rough and unhappy, with the odd pop from the carb. I tried turning the distributer in all directions when the car was running but made only very slight improvements to the engine which stalled once you touched the throttle.
I have reverted back to the proper firing order ,taken the distributor out and turned it just about every degree around and replaced it but still nothing.
I am at a loss. Any ideas ?
John