Posted by Rich Avilla on July 30, 1998 at 20:04:55:
In Reply to: Re: Need help posted by Daniel Rodriguez on July 30, 1998 at 01:31:59:
:
: : : Here's the problem: I've changed the pick-up coil, cap, coil, rotor, spark-plugs and wires, and tried to time it. It does get the spark to the plugs, but will not fire. Can you help me? '83 Chevrolet 350 pick-up, 4 x 2, half-ton automatic.
: : Whenever I run into that (like, just about every major electrical surgery), either the distributer was 180 degrees off, or I'd messed up the firing order. Double-check, double-check.. Rich.
: I have turned the distributor 180 degrees either way and check the firing order several times. Do you have any other ideas.
:Time to go back to basics. Bring the crank up to the timing mark (several degrees Before Top Dead Center (BTDC), or wherever the specs say it should be to fire the #1 plug). Inspecting the rotor, it should be pointing very close to where the #1 lead normally is when the cap is on. Loosen distributor just enough to be able to rotate it, and with the ignition ‘on’, slowly swivle it clockwise and counterclockwise. You should be able to see the points opening and closing, and at some point, just when the points open, you'll see a spark if your garage is not too brightly lit. You can hear the spark, too, if it’s quiet enough. If you have your timing-light hooked up and the trigger pressed, it'll flash. Right at THAT point where the points open, causing that spark and the timing-light to flash is when the #1 plug will be firing, and you now have a crudely timed engine. You pro’bly did this, but make sure you know which direction the rotor turns, and place all the wires on the cap in their proper locations, according to that direction. Again, double-check and double-check. Replace the cap and prepare to fire up the engine. Crank the engine. If it doesn’t fire, advance or retard the distributor slightly and try again. If nothing else, at least the #1 cylinder should fire, and if the rest if the wires are properly placed, it should at least run rough. Oh yeah, is it getting gas to the cylinders? Pull a plug and sniff it. If it's dry, try pouring a little fuel down the carb and crank the engine over. On the other hand, if it's all wet, give it full throttle and hold it there without pumping, and crank the engine until the excess fuel is flushed out of the cylinders (careful, it may just come to life with a roar when you do this). Good luck, dude.