13 replies to this topic

[jolley]

Ok, so jut put a 1275 metro engine into a mini scamp (1982) but every time i try to start the engine, it turns over fine but there is a backfire and a puff of smoke out of the air inlet on the carb. All the dizzy leads are on in the right order, starting top right 1 then 2 below it then 4 and top left is 3. Checked and i am getting a spark at the plugs but engine refuses to actually start! Any ideas? The dizzy is points. Need to get this thing running this weekend!

Cheers!! James

[WiredbyWilson]

sounds like the timing is miles out mate, try moving the dizzy to different positions

[jolley]

just turn it to either side while its in the engine to see what i can get? the vaccum on top of the dizzy is sitting about 2 degrees right of TDC

[WiredbyWilson]

yeah adjust it from one extrme to the other till it fires and runs in some way lol.

mine runs 26 degrees of advance!! well of the normal scale.

[Jammy]

OR, you could set up the timing properly!

[jolley]

dont have a timing light but any other way of doig it . . .

[WiredbyWilson]

my timing was set up on a RR

sometimes the timing nees palying with, but you cant set up timing very easily without engine running no?

[jolley]

no idea haha.

[Ethel]

Have had the distributor off the engine?
Are the plug leads in the right order?

[jolley]

Are the plug leads in the right order?

read the intro . . .


right so tried turning dizzy to either side, now the backfire has turned to a light put with the plume of smoke gettin better hahaha.

[Jammy]

Your distributor isn't 180* degrees out is it?

[backstreetclassics]

if you have some one to help you get them to turn the car over while you turn the dizzy but do make sure the gap on the points is right

[Ethel]

If it was 180degs out it would spark on the end of the exhaust stroke or beginning of inlet - would it backfire ????

Actually having had a thunk I think that's more likely than it not being 180 out and backfiring.

and yes the leads are on right

[dklawson]

No timing light? Then set the static timing. Guess at about 5 BTDC. That will be close enough to get it started.

Check the plug wiring as suggested.

Move on to the fuel system. Difficult starting and backfiring out the carb when you try to rev the engine are classic symptoms of fuel delivery problems. If this is a dual carb set up, one of the float bowls could be dry. If the carbs haven't been used in a while they could be gummed up (clean the jet tubes and needles).

However, as always, confirm the valve adjustment and ignition related settings are correct before touching the fuel system.