10-11-2022, 11:07 AM
I suspect that you have two problems, Pendragon.
1. There are no timing marks for setting the distributor on the gears, so, when timing the engine, you have to make sure that you have TDC No: 1 cylinder firing (i.e. both valves closed.) Set the points gap to 12 thou/inch and insert the distributor into the dynamo with the rotor arm pointing to No: 1's contact in the distributor cap. Remember that the distributor runs clockwise when setting the firing order., Once fitted, (and assuming that you have set the flywheel 1/4 mark to about 1 1/2 inches before TDC approaching from the right as you look at the flywheel) turn the distributor until the points are just opening (I use a test light to check this) and the rotor is still pointing to No:1 contact. Reconnect everything and it should start. If you had to reverse the leads to get it to run, then you distributor was probably 180 degrees out.
2. If it runs badly when you do get it to run as you describe, I would first check for any air leaks on the inlet side as a start.
1. There are no timing marks for setting the distributor on the gears, so, when timing the engine, you have to make sure that you have TDC No: 1 cylinder firing (i.e. both valves closed.) Set the points gap to 12 thou/inch and insert the distributor into the dynamo with the rotor arm pointing to No: 1's contact in the distributor cap. Remember that the distributor runs clockwise when setting the firing order., Once fitted, (and assuming that you have set the flywheel 1/4 mark to about 1 1/2 inches before TDC approaching from the right as you look at the flywheel) turn the distributor until the points are just opening (I use a test light to check this) and the rotor is still pointing to No:1 contact. Reconnect everything and it should start. If you had to reverse the leads to get it to run, then you distributor was probably 180 degrees out.
2. If it runs badly when you do get it to run as you describe, I would first check for any air leaks on the inlet side as a start.