TR6 TR 6 engine won't start

[TulsaFred]

73 TR6 project car
It's been sitting since 1987. In a garage until this past year then sitting in a field.

Compression 120-130 on all cylinders.

Static timing set at 12 degrees BTDC per manual.

Replaced coil with proper part ( had a resistance coil even though the ballast resistor is in place and functional).

Points gapped at .015.

Plugs cleaned and gapped at .025

Good spark.

Set valve lash at .010 on all valves.

Didn't do anything with the old carbs which will need rebuilt, but sprayed the venturis liberally with starter fluid to see if it would fire.

Nothing, nada, zilch, not even a hiccup. Drained the battery down,now on the charger.

Thoughts?

Thanks
Fred

 

[TR3driver]

Did you check for spark using one of the plugs still connected to its lead?

Are you sure the rotor is pointing to #1 cylinder when #1 is ready to fire (both valves closed) ?

I've had similar experiences with what they sell for "starting fluid" in CA these days. I would try carb cleaner instead, it burns better.

 

[DNK]

My guess is the timing is fubar or the rings are laying in the pan,...well maybe not that as you do have compression,though Isn't that a bit low?

 

[TulsaFred]

I checked spark with plug connected to lead, I may pull them all and check them all like that (I only checked one).

I haven't had any problem with the starter fluid on my other cars.

I already checked timing using static method, both valves closed on Cylinder 1, pointer at 12 degrees BTDC, rotor pointing at number one plug wire.

The compression would seem to rule out rings or valves having major issues. It is slightly low, but within 10 lbs cylinder to cylinder.

Weird.

Fred

 

[TulsaFred]

Found the culprit

The connections to the ballast resistor were crudded up and it was shorting intermittently

Cleaned up and it fires!

Now I need to drain the gas tank, rebuild the carbs and put in some fresh oil, then see how she runs