Club 80-90 Forums

Gents and ladies. I need some advice in starting my van for the first time.

I have refreshed the engine with new gaskets, checked and measured everything and reassembled as per the HBOL. I have also fitted an SVDA dizzy, along with new plugs, leads, coil, cap and rotor arm. This was installed following a useful video on YouTube. I have got spark at No.1, and I have filled the carb float chamber with fuel, but it just won't fire!

It seems to be turning over slowly, so I did a bit of googling and the battery is brand new, the earth has been replaced. I have also cleaned up the earth on the gearbox mount. Still no difference. I have looked at the starter which looks new and the brass bush seems good too. So I'm scratching my head?!

Here is a vid - any ideas?

https://www.facebook.com/thomas.plant.7 ... 0567815731" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Yes it is slow. There is a scraping sound which may be something seizing. First slacken off the alternator drive belt to see if the alternator is seizing.

Hello,

How long since the engine last ran

You have fitted a powerspark style SVDA dizzy... have you done the timing like this :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkyBAMMHpa4" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Are you sure you are getting a spark at the plugs..

teaspoon of petrol down each carb..

Aircooled bliss...

Cordialement,

i have set the valve initial clearance (hydraulic) and replaced the starter bushing. The engine spins much better now (it's out of the van currently) but it is not attempting to start. I have spark and I have fuel when I drop it down the carb neck, but it's just backfiring and popping through the carbs. No catching or attemptin to start. Not even a rumble of life!

@sarran1955 - I followed your excellent video but when I line up the dizzy cap catch 90degrees to the mount it does not point to no1. To point to number one the angle is more like 45/50degrees. The engine have certainly not run in the last four years and possibly longer. It's a real unknown, which is why I split it to check it over. Any advice sir?

Popping back either means a valve isn't sealing, or the plug is firing on the wrong stroke. First check the HT leads are on in right order. If that's ok try setting the tappets for solid lifters.