Technical Car won't start after removing and replacing distributor :(

[Noah500]

As per Subject - I had to remove the distributor in order to get the thermostat housing off (to fit a thermostat and flap repair kit). After removing the distributor, then the housing, I immediately replaced the distributor and checked that it started OK. I did the necessary to the housing them removed the distributor again placed the housing on and before doing up the housing bolts, replaced the distributor. Then did up all the bolts on the housing and tried to start it.

Ignition light is on, choke up, pull starter lever and it's got plenty of battery power to turn it over but won't catch. Every now and then (maybe about 15-20 seconds) it gives a slight cough indicating that maybe it is trying to fire, but the engine doesn't start. The G light stays on (though I think it would do that anyway?).

Could replacing the distributor on the wrong 'spline' cause it not to start at all? If so, the there a way of at least getting it to start - maybe take the distributor off, turn a spline at a time and replace to see if it works?

I suspect that I've screwed the timing though FYI I've never ever set timing on a car, don't really understand what static/dynamic timing is and don't have a timing light. Willing to learn, though

Also, I have a Powerspark hall effective ignition which I was planning to fit once the thermostat is sorted. Could/should I now try to sort out the distributor/timing and do the Powerspark in one shot?

Help and advice gratefully received. If anyone happens to be anywhere near me (Sevenoaks, Kent) and would be prepared to take a look/teach me some stuff, that would be a bonus

Cheers,

Simon

 

[Ant Knox]

Sounds like you've put the timing out.
Check out FoxSpeedshop (Tim Fox) video tutorial on youtube for distributor replacement, it might be useful.

 

[Ant Knox]

 

[fiat500]

As per Subject - I had to remove the distributor in order to get the thermostat housing off (to fit a thermostat and flap repair kit). After removing the distributor, then the housing, I immediately replaced the distributor and checked that it started OK. I did the necessary to the housing them removed the distributor again placed the housing on and before doing up the housing bolts, replaced the distributor. Then did up all the bolts on the housing and tried to start it.

Ignition light is on, choke up, pull starter lever and it's got plenty of battery power to turn it over but won't catch. Every now and then (maybe about 15-20 seconds) it gives a slight cough indicating that maybe it is trying to fire, but the engine doesn't start. The G light stays on (though I think it would do that anyway?).

Could replacing the distributor on the wrong 'spline' cause it not to start at all? If so, the there a way of at least getting it to start - maybe take the distributor off, turn a spline at a time and replace to see if it works?

I suspect that I've screwed the timing though FYI I've never ever set timing on a car, don't really understand what static/dynamic timing is and don't have a timing light. Willing to learn, though

Also, I have a Powerspark hall effective ignition which I was planning to fit once the thermostat is sorted. Could/should I now try to sort out the distributor/timing and do the Powerspark in one shot?

Help and advice gratefully received. If anyone happens to be anywhere near me (Sevenoaks, Kent) and would be prepared to take a look/teach me some stuff, that would be a bonus

Cheers,

Simon

If it's trying a bit to start, then you may be a tooth out or simply a few degrees out on the position where you've replaced it.
If you were more experienced, there is a methodical way to get this just right, but initially, I suggest that you loosen the clamping nut slightly and turn the distributor body by a few degrees anti-clockwise, clamp it loosely and see if it gets closer to firing. Keep that up by trial and error, going clockwise if no joy.

 

[Noah500]

Phew - I took the distributor off and moved the shaft around a little bit, then put it back on (I did this rather than move teh body only since I had taken the whole thing off before originally and this way it leaves the body in the same place as before). It worked first time, though a little rough, so I moved it just a little bit more and Bob's your uncle. I left it running for about 10 minutes and it settled down to what by ear was a normal rhythm.

Thanks for the help

Simon

 

[plasticpig1972]

Phew - I took the distributor off and moved the shaft around a little bit, then put it back on (I did this rather than move teh body only since I had taken the whole thing off before originally and this way it leaves the body in the same place as before). It worked first time, though a little rough, so I moved it just a little bit more and Bob's your uncle. I left it running for about 10 minutes and it settled down to what by ear was a normal rhythm.

Thanks for the help

Simon

Hi Smon,
i suggest you take it to a Classic Car garage and get the Timing checked.
I would think they will only charge 1 Hours labour which is cheap for peace of mind.
Don't guess at it.
Alan

 

[Noah500]

I agree but at least in the meantime it's now mobile!

 

[fiat500]

Hi Smon,
i suggest you take it to a Classic Car garage and get the Timing checked.
I would think they will only charge 1 Hours labour which is cheap for peace of mind.
Don't guess at it.
Alan

I agree that accurate timing is important, but some people say that with modern fuels having different rates of burn, if it runs well, it probably is well.

 

[Noah500]

I'm going that I'm the short term it should be ok since, although I did remove the distributor I didn't change the distributor angle on its mount

 

[fiat500]

I agree but at least in the meantime it's now mobile!

Even if you have the timing checked by strobe, it won't stay right for all that long. If you're using a classic garage, just get them to fit the electronics and then adjust it. Electronic ignition should keep its settings.
Personally, I would clean or replace the points and then try to understand their adjustment and how this affects ignition timing. If you plan on keeping the car for a long time, learning about this area of the car, you will be well rewarded in the reliability and pleasure it will give you.