Total Noob Motor Questions

[Shomare]

Re: Total Noob Motor Questions

Here's an update. I started by attempting a bypass.

I bypass the positive wire that was leading the coil by connecting it temporarily to a lead from the positive connection from the battery.

I got a lot of black soot and some backfiring. At this point I began adjusting the timing. I firs retarded the timing, but got to the point that it was just cranking without catching. I advanced it and got to a point where it would almost catch, but no luck.

I've got a buddy coming over in the morning to help me tinker further but I've done as much as I can on my own at this point.

 

[Don S]

Re: Total Noob Motor Questions

You don't "Tinker" with timing. You set it with a timing light, accurately, or risk serious damage to your engine.

 

[Shomare]

Re: Total Noob Motor Questions

Well, if it's not running, you've got to start somewhere...

Since the calibration is off from switching to the electronic system, I've got to take a stab at an adjustment that gets it running and then adjust accordingly.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Total Noob Motor Questions

Turn the engine to line up the timing mark to where it should be -- (and I'm not sure what your timing should be - probably somewhere around 6 degrees before top dead center or so) -- making sure you are on the compression stroke for #1 of course. Loosen and turn the distributor till the rotor points at the #1 terminal on the cap. It's that simple to get the engine statically timed. It should certainly be close enough to get it started and then you can use your timing light.

 

[buggiedad_67]

Re: Total Noob Motor Questions

the plug wires are on wrong you have in your pic as 1432, it should be 1342, never mind heading to the dr, to get new glass's cant see crap anymore!!!!!!!!!

 

[Shomare]

Re: Total Noob Motor Questions

Well, it turns out that the distributer was out 180.

Was in way over my head with this one but that's what you get when you grow up without ever having had the benefit (or hassle) of having to deal with distributor caps and timing.

My buddy figured it out in about 10 min but all my previous efforts had run down the battery to the point that I needed to recharge to continue my efforts. Water ways open up May 1st so we'll see how she runs compared to last year, hopefully by this weekend!

Thanks to all who gave input into helping to sort this mess out!

 

[wil7483]

Re: Total Noob Motor Questions

I told you it ways the timing. The distributer got way out because you over complicated the situation instead of looking at the obvious first. Good luck.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Total Noob Motor Questions

Congrats on getting it started!

 

[Maclin]

Re: Total Noob Motor Questions

I would still want to make sure the Pertronix unit has a full 12 volt supply.