03-10-2023, 03:46 PM
Yeah, those HT leads are horrible!
The engine should fire as long as you have fuel, compression and a spark. You can by-pass fuel supply issues by taking the lid off the carburettor float bowl and manually filling it with petrol - it will then run for a minute or two whether or not the pump is supplying fuel (of course if it's already full, chances are the pump is working). Make sure the petrol is reasonably fresh (don't try to start on 40-year-old fuel!)
You can check whether the plugs are sparking by taking one out, reconnecting the HT lead, and grounding the plug on a head stud, then turn the engine over with ignition on. Hold the plug with a rag or gloves to avoid getting a jolt...
Chances are your points will need replacing or at least cleaning. The gap should be about 12 thou. Make sure all contacts on rotor arm, distributor cap etc are clean too.
The engine should fire as long as you have fuel, compression and a spark. You can by-pass fuel supply issues by taking the lid off the carburettor float bowl and manually filling it with petrol - it will then run for a minute or two whether or not the pump is supplying fuel (of course if it's already full, chances are the pump is working). Make sure the petrol is reasonably fresh (don't try to start on 40-year-old fuel!)
You can check whether the plugs are sparking by taking one out, reconnecting the HT lead, and grounding the plug on a head stud, then turn the engine over with ignition on. Hold the plug with a rag or gloves to avoid getting a jolt...
Chances are your points will need replacing or at least cleaning. The gap should be about 12 thou. Make sure all contacts on rotor arm, distributor cap etc are clean too.