No Spark - FIXED!

[Jim/GA]

Originally Posted by sconnors

I had the engine at tdc and used the NU-Rex timing wrench and set the point gap at 22

A point gap of 22 is a bit wide. I try to aim for 20.

You can't trust the Nu-Rex timing wrench the first time you use it. After setting the point gap correctly, you have to use a test light (a 6 volt bulb with test leads) or an ohmmeter to set the initial timing correctly (with the spark lever fully up).

AFTER you set the initial timing with a light and tighten the cam screw down, taking out all slack by gently turning the cam clockwise, you can see where the Nu-Rex wrench falls on the distributor body relative to Pin #4 on top.

I find many cases of the wrench going 3/8" or more PAST pin #4 when the timing is right. It is not because of a manufacturing error by Nu-Rex. This is due to the position of the cam follower on the modern points being in the wrong position on the breaker plate, compared to where it is with stock points. (A good reason to stick with original points.)

After all the work you've done, this engine should be running by now. You have overlooked one small thing.

[Jim16A1]

Did you check TDC with the pin on the timing gear and confirm by visually inspecting the piston through the spark plug hole? I’d start there to confirm the timing gear isn’t compromised, and then confirm that the points are opening and closing at the right point of rotation. It sounds like maybe something caused your timing gear or distributor drive to misalign, since it was running fine and then stopped, and you still have good spark and fuel.

[cr1248]

If you have an inline fuse, you may want to replace it….checking voltage with a meter or a test light doesn’t pull enough current and you may get faulty readings of power and voltage. I fixed one of my friends the other day that had similar symptoms since the fuse showed continuity but could not carry current…Also, make sure that the distributor is grounded to the engine…Just fyi…

[sconnors]

Originally Posted by Y-Blockhead

It is probably mentioned somewhere but did you check the timing when the piston was a TDC on the compression stroke, not the exhaust stroke. Maybe your timing is 180° out?

Sounds like you have checked everything else.

Thank you Sir! You win the prize! That is EXACTLY what the issue was!

[Y-Blockhead]

Originally Posted by sconnors

Thank you Sir! You win the prize! That is EXACTLY what the issue was!

No prize needed, just happy you found your issue.

[sconnors]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Originally Posted by Y-Blockhead

No prize needed, just happy you found your issue.

Thank you!

[old31]

Yes, it is fixed, and we know how you fixed it. Congrats.

But the question is, what caused the issue in the first place?

[sconnors]

Originally Posted by old31

Yes, it is fixed, and we know how you fixed it. Congrats.

But the question is, what caused the issue in the first place?

My guess is the no spark issue was caused by a bad ignition cable, but the 180 degrees off was most likely human error as I was rushing to get the car starred and changed the top plate and more than likely went two turns instead of one on the Nu-Rex wrench (lesson learned: NEVER be in a hurry!)

Take time and enjoy the ride.

[katy]

Shoulda used the Ford method, with the timing pin.

Originally Posted by sconnors

(lesson learned: NEVER be in a hurry!).

One of my favorite expressions: "Slow down and get finished sooner."

[sconnors]

Originally Posted by katy

Shoulda used the Ford method, with the timing pin.



One of my favorite expressions: "Slow down and get finished sooner."

Love this!