OK guys, what have I done wrong?

[johnnyvol]

I have searched the archives but can't seem to find what I need. Hopefully someone can tell me what I've done wrong.

Installed a new HEI from HEI dizzy on ebay. Fit is good and it went right in. Purchased new plugs and wireset and installed, finding TDC by the handcrank method and using the timing marks. Gapped the plugs to .050 gap. Line up #1 with the rotor and wired in per Chilton book firing order. 1-5-3-6-2-4. Pulled power from the input to the old ignition module and checked with a meter, 12v crank and run.

Turns over but no start. So I start over doing the same things. Checked everything I know to check. I have spark at the plugs. Tried three different sets of wires and two sets of plugs so I have those eliminated. Even checked resistance of the wires to make sure. Opened up the carb and pulled the throttle and gas flows. Also checked my jumper wire from the 12v source at the distributor to make sure it has 12v.

It backfires occasionally, not sure if that is just from compression or if its actually burning in the chamber. It has backfired through the carb a couple of times. Have I snafu'd my carb? I have a new MC2100 ready to go on it but would like to do one thing at a time.

Am I right in that this eliminated the old ignition module and coil?

Any help would be greatly appreciated. I'm at a loss.

Thanks

John

 

[John N]

Re-check (or triple) the distributor for proper position. What you're describing sounds like you are 180 degrees off on the distributor. Pull the #1 plug, rotate the engine by hand, with a finger over the #1 plug hole. When you are at TDC. there is a big difference between that and being 180 off, in what you feel blow out. Watch your timing marks, so you'll know when it's coming up. If you pull all of the plugs, it's a lot easier to rotate the motor.

Good Luck.....

 

[The Real CJ8]

Sounds like you allready know what you are doing ....BUT

With the distributor installed recheck that you had the number one cylinder on the compression stroke as stated above...once this is certain remove the distributor cap and where ever the rotor is pointing this becomes your number one regardless of where chilton or the acctual rotor cap says number one is at.....Then firing order is the same as stated in the chilton manual.....Make shure to put the plug wires on in order of the distributors rotor shafts rotation which can be determend by bumping the engine with the distributor cap off....Everything else sounds like it should be...

I hope it works out for you
joel

 

[johnnyvol]

I've checked TDC at least six times now. According to the timing marks and a screwdriver inserted in the #1 hole I believe I am right. If I rotate the plug wires on the distributor cap 180 degrees will that confirm anything?

How do you test the distributor itself? I thought if I had spark at the plugs that meant the distributor was working. Is this correct? Is there a way to test with an ohmeter for proper function?

As a last resort I may re-install the old system to see if I get fire, but I'll have to do some wire splicing since I cut off the input to the old ignition module for my source for the new distributor. I'd rather get things working as there are, but I'll do waht I have to.

Thanks

 

[ineedajeep]

Sounds like you are top dead center on the intake stroke, not the compression stroke. Yes, if you move the wires 180 degrees in the firing sequence that should tell you. It should run. The crankshaft turns at twice the speed of the cam and distributor.

 

[johnnyvol]

Well guys, consider this thread as my official announcement for dumba** of the year.

I would have bet title to my Scrambler that I had TDC but rotating the wires 180- degrees confirms I was wrong. I was shocked at how quickly my jeep started after switching the wires. Runs like a top now.

Thanks for all the help. This would have been a super easy install had I got TDC right from the beginning. I recommend this to anyone who hasn't done it.

I'm going to do the MC2100 next, but I may wait til next weekend for that. Maybe all of the bad dumba** mojo will be gone by then.