Hi, this is an ongoing problem!!!
I've a 1972 Renault engine. The distributor required replacing as the old one needed reconditioning (it had a short on the points) and since then I can't get it started. I've cranked the engine manually till piston 1 is TDC and aligned the distributor to fire spark 1, but all I get is the sound of the engine attempting to fire...then nothing. Firing sequence on the cap is all OK. It sounds go close it is frustrating.
I'm at a loss to figure out what to do next! I've checked and there is a good strong spark.
Could I have aligned piston 1 to be TDC on the wrong stroke (someone said there are two stokes, one for firing when the valves are closed, and one which isn't)?
Any other ideas?
The engine is so old I can't see any timing marks on it anywhere which doesn't help.
2007-08-11 10:13:17 · 16 answers · asked by straightxdresser 3 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
- Take spark plug #1 off.
- Lift the the front of the vehicle just so the left wheel doesn't touch the ground and jack it.
- Insert long screw driver or anything like it in the park plug #1 hole
- Put on second gear and by turning the left wheel, find your TDC (the highest point your screw driver would reach)
- Loosen the distributor just so you can turn it
- The firing order 1-3-4-2
- Align the rotor with #1
- Start the vehicle
The vehicle should start if everything else is fine. It may not idle right, but it should start.
If it doesn't start, replace the condenser by the distributor and/or check your spark plug wires position...the firing order, again, is 1-3-4-2
If it starts, car running, with one hand on the accelerator and the other on the distributor, accelerate one in a while while turning the distributor to the left and to the right...look for a combination best sound and best response.
It could also be a fuel related problem...did consider that?
Good luck
2007-08-11 10:42:59 · answer #1 · answered by Mazda man 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Cylinders 1 and 4 are on tdc a the same time..1 of them is on the compression stroke while the other is beginning the induction stroke...It sounds as if you have set the timing to fire on Number 1 while it should be number 4...Thus if you swap the leads around on the Distributor cap...OR... remove the distributor and rotate the shaft 180 degrees and replace,then timing should be correct...regards..Den
2007-08-11 10:31:45 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Have a look at the valves by removing the cover. Both valves must be shut at TDC when ignition occurs.
Or simply swap the leads in the distributor to opposite sides and try again - this is the easy way to change which TDC the spark occurs on.
RoyS
2007-08-11 19:04:44 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is possible that you have aligned the ignition 180 degrees out but first of all have you renewed the points, if so check them to see if they have been arcing which i suspect they probably have then renew the condenser (ballast resistor)and check that everthing is okay within the distributor,
then take off the rocker cover and remove sparkplug number one turn the crankshaft manually until you detect that this piston is just starting the firing stroke (going down) then this is t.d.c. then to make sure you are at T.D.C look at the rockers on pistons 1 and 4 as you move the crank shaft nut back and forth and if the rocking alternates between these two cylinders you are at T.D.C before you start all this renew the condenser. good luck .maclaren.
p.s. is this good spark you have a ragged yellow one because this is not a good one, it needs to be tight and blue to be a good spark, a yellow ragged one also indicates a faulty condenser.
2007-08-11 18:43:56 · answer #4 · answered by maclaren 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Remove the no.1 spark plug and put your thumb over the hole so it is blocked and then turn the engine over by hand until you feel compression on your thumb. This indicates that no.1 is approaching TDC on the compression stroke which is what you are looking for, rather than on the exhaust stroke which is probably where you have set it.
Best regards
Geordie
2007-08-12 05:26:38 · answer #5 · answered by Grizz 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes your probably right about the distributor being off. first I would recommend just moving the distributor 1 notch in each direction from where it is now your spark might only be off by that much and so it wont run. if you can hear ignition or backfiring this is probably your problem. if you don't hear any kind of ignition at all then you are probably on the wrong stroke.
2007-08-11 10:26:04 · answer #6 · answered by imre_14_2000 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like you have got it on TDC on the wrong stroke. Do it the old fashioned way by holding your thumb over no.1 plug hole then you know its on compression stroke, then align the TDC and go from there.
Also, with regards to someones comment above, you won't blow your engine.
2007-08-11 10:19:10 · answer #7 · answered by °º© r u b y l i g h t s ©º° 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maclaren & Mazda man have it right. Replace the condenser anyway, check the spark at the plugs too, clean them off. Check that you have fuel in and being delivered!. If you check for TDC by removing the No1 plug use something like a plant cane & watch it carefully for the highest point. Check points & plugs for cleaness & gap (check manual).
Renaults are renown for electrical problems so you are probably not alone!. You could also talk to a mechanic!. Hope it works.
2007-08-11 19:01:00 · answer #8 · answered by Ikey 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
pull the H.T. leads out of the cap and stick No 1 lead in to the hole that you think is No 4 then reconnect all other leads in the firing order (1342 clockwise), if it then starts turn the distributor a little bit either way until the engine runs sweet, good luck
2007-08-11 23:14:13 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
pull the distributor out and turn it 180 degrees you may not be on #1 TDC. and if i remember correctly the timing marks are on the flywheel ??? but i dont remember, its been a while
2007-08-11 10:17:13 · answer #10 · answered by Christian 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋