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Arghhhh - what now

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Thanks for all this guys - I'll get on it hopefully today.

one question - of you go to Duncan's link, and then blkcorvair's picture - the vacuum housing seems to be pointing forward towards the front of the car. Is this correct? (is that a Zenith carb?) mine points towards the master cylinders.
 
John, I say again. you are 180 out. Has to be. vacuum housing points up and toward the front a bit if all is correct.

Have you had that engine apart?
 
More specific question - has the distributor been out?
 
RickB said:
More specific question - has the distributor been out?
Click to expand...

yes it has been out but not apart
 
jlaird said:
John, I say again. you are 180 out. Has to be. vacuum housing points up and toward the front a bit if all is correct.

Have you had that engine apart?
Click to expand...

yes, the engine is apart - and I will be trying the 180 out solution very soon - so far the wires seem to have been mixed up.

to confirm, the should go 1-3-4-2 anti clockwise?

from memory, mine were 1-2-3-4
 
1-3-4-2 anti-clockwise is right. Good luck.
 
Wait. The 1500 and A-series have the same firing order? And both Dizzies go counterclockwise?

I don't have clue, but I'd consult my manual.
 
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:]Wait. The 1500 and A-series have the same firing order? And both Dizzies go counterclockwise?[/QUOTE]

Why mess with a good thing?
In fact the Nissan copy of the 1500 has the same order too.
 
yes to same firing order - not sure about same rotation

I shouldn't be able to turn the rotor by hand when its bolted down should I?
 
Nope.
 
The rotor might wiggle back and forth a millimeter or so, but you shouldn't be able to turn it. If you're able to turn it then there's a problem with the distributor or with it sitting in the drive dog correct...or the drive dog isn't engaging the camshaft gear.
 
No.
 
Hi JP,

I hadn't noticed when I did mine, but the gear on the bottom of the dizzy has a slot that is very slightly off-centre, meaning it only fits in one way.

With the tighening collar loosened, you should be able to turn the body of the distributor, but the rotor should remain fixed. If you can turn the rotor, loosen the dizzy fixing bolt, turn the rotor until it seats, and make sure the whole ass'y is 'down' as far as possible. Then time as above.

-D
 
No. You should not be able to turn the rotor when the distributor is bolted down. You should be able to wiggle it about 5 to 10 degrees. This is the mechanical advance. If the distributor drive is not seated fully than you will be able to turn the rotor. It could also be a broken locating tab inside the rotor.
 
step back from the car and no one gets hurt

the story thus far

1. I am fairly certain the dizzy was 180 deg out - though I lost track - had it out at least three times before I relaized I also had to change the gear :wall: hence the one time I had it in backwards.

2. Am fairly certain the wires were out of order. they are in order (and have tried them in reverse order)

3. Pulled the valve cover and there is compression with #1 at TDC. And the rotor is pointing in the right direction.

4. Sounds robust when it turns over - but nothing - and no suction (apparantly - my son checked it not me) in the carb

nothing

time for a break

keep the suggestions coming.

Duncan - I tried what you suggested and seem to be having trouble with the concept - that and I am not currently in possesion of my drive shaft - I should get it tomorrow.

When folk talk about static timing - and the key on - is that in what is essentially the accessory position?

:madder: :thirsty: :computer: :confuse: :cheers: :thankyousign:
 
Hmmm, don't think the carb will make suction unless the engine is running.

If you have fire at the plugs. Give it a shot of starter fluid. If still nothing it is still timeing.
 
Make sure you take the carb off if you squirt starter fluid
down the manifold -- it'll eat the rubber piston diaphram!
 
Ok then throw some gas in there right through the carb. Use an old coke bottle.
 
see it's turning robustly but not chugging like it really wants to start
 
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