New engine - No Fire (Volcruiser)

[TulsaTime]

Been working on an engine replacement (long block 5.7).
We (think) we have everything back in place - new engine; outdrive mounted; new bellows etc. etc.
We have no fire - hooked up a spark plug diagnostic tool - no lights flashing on when cranking.
Reset the distributor several different ways - hooked up a known hood coil (the old one looked fine). Checked the kill switch, checked the starter wires.
Totally at a loss here.
BTW...the long block engine is a mercruiser block with all the original Volvo accessories taken off the old engine. All accessories (starter, bell housing, intake manifold etc. etc.) bolted back on in place with no issues.

 

[Scott06]

Do you have 12 v to positive side of coil when in run? What ignition system is on it?

 

[Scott Danforth]

Reset the distributor several different ways - hooked up a known hood coil (the old one looked fine).

Please explain what you did here several different ways...

Stabbing a dizzy and setting timing is fairly easy

 

[TulsaTime]

Do you have 12 v to positive side of coil when in run? What ignition system is on it?

With key on, we have 12.2v to the coil. Checked the purple wire at the ignition switch - 12v there as well. We did get it to cough a little last night, so I'm thinking it may be the ECM. Going to try and unhook the batteries and let it go cold for a while - hoping this will reset the ECM

 

[TulsaTime]

Please explain what you did here several different ways...

Stabbing a dizzy and setting timing is fairly easy

This distributor is electronic ignition. We made sure the at rotor was pointing to #1 - No good there. Pulled distributer, re-installed 180 degrees or so, pointed to #1 - No good. Found the plug wire from the coil to the distributor has a small tear in it. Replaced that, and then we got a little cough out of it. We poured a small amount of fuel in the throttle body and it coughed but never started. We checked the fuel rail and it has pressure - unsure now what that psi is. Getting a gauge today to see if there's enough pressure. - 10psi ? Pretty sure we have spark, but no fuel coming from the injectors. Going to unhook battery in hopes of resetting the ECM.

 

[BRICH1260]

Double check the distributor setting and make sure the proper gear teeth are aligned, it can be tricky. Also, check things like the crank position sensor, make sure its working properly.

 

[Scott Danforth]

This distributor is electronic ignition. We made sure the at rotor was pointing to #1 - No good there. Pulled distributer, re-installed 180 degrees or so, pointed to #1 - No good. Found the plug wire from the coil to the distributor has a small tear in it. Replaced that, and then we got a little cough out of it. We poured a small amount of fuel in the throttle body and it coughed but never started. We checked the fuel rail and it has pressure - unsure now what that psi is. Getting a gauge today to see if there's enough pressure. - 10psi ? Pretty sure we have spark, but no fuel coming from the injectors. Going to unhook battery in hopes of resetting the ECM.

you did verify that the engine was at TDC on #1 before you try to install the distributor, correct?

if your engine is a throttle body system, the fuel pressure is either 1 bar (15psi) or a 2-bar system (30 psi). if it is MPI, its a 3-bar system (45 psi)

without enough pressure, you have a fuel system issue in addition to probably not firing at the right time.

 

[alldodge]

Serial number comes back as Gi-G
Fuel pressure low side 8 psi +/- 4 , high side 50 to 60 psi

 

[alldodge]

Has HVS distributor

 

[Scott06]

With key on, we have 12.2v to the coil. Checked the purple wire at the ignition switch - 12v there as well. We did get it to cough a little last night, so I'm thinking it may be the ECM. Going to try and unhook the batteries and let it go cold for a while - hoping this will reset the ECM

So putting your spark tester on the wire from coil to distrbutor cap do you get spark off the coil ? If not it is the sensor in distrbutor or ECM. I assume you have the delco est on there but not sure.

If you do get spark off the coil but not out of the distributor I would think cap and rotor issue.

 

[TulsaTime]

you did verify that the engine was at TDC on #1 before you try to install the distributor, correct?

if your engine is a throttle body system, the fuel pressure is either 1 bar (15psi) or a 2-bar system (30 psi). if it is MPI, its a 3-bar system (45 psi)

without enough pressure, you have a fuel system issue in addition to probably not firing at the right time

Thanks Scott!
We're fairly sure TDC was set on #1 and distributer was pointed there when installed
We're checking the fuel pressure now.
Also checking spark from coil to distributer