ultraslow Posted March 29, 2017 Share Posted March 29, 2017 I own an '85 Caterham Seven. I cannot get it to start.It ran a few weeks ago. New plugs ect, all for nought. Is there anybody in the ABQ area that is willing to travel to Jemez Springs, I will pay, to help me get it started? I have obviously reached the limits of my abilities on this.I think it is a timing issue. 1.6l Kent Xflow w/40DCOE's and Pertronix. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
locost7018 Posted March 29, 2017 Share Posted March 29, 2017 Did you put the plug wires back in the right order? If it was running before you changed the plugs that would be the first thing I would check. Is the Pertronix new? Plug gap? Did you pull out the dizzy? Anyone who can work on old Ford Pintos should be able to help. Any vintage racecar shops near you? If I were local I would come over as I have the same setup except I have a Weber 32/36 2 barrel on mine Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick OTeen Posted March 29, 2017 Share Posted March 29, 2017 I have seen Pertronix units fail more than once. I've even had a brand new one fail after twenty minutes of running. Have you confirmed that you're getting a spark at the plugs? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ultraslow Posted March 29, 2017 Author Share Posted March 29, 2017 I will check the plug wires, dizzy, and drain and refill the gas tank. Thanks It is depressing to have so simple a machine and be incapable of keeping it running. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
speedwagon Posted March 30, 2017 Share Posted March 30, 2017 I use "point replacements" in my VW engines and always carry a spare set of points. Have found that the Pertronixs units are no better than the other Chineeze ones. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
papak Posted March 31, 2017 Share Posted March 31, 2017 Any Formula Ford guys in the area? Pretty similar. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lancefitzgiben Posted April 1, 2017 Share Posted April 1, 2017 Hey ultraslow, Tim here - I met you in traffic one day here in la while driving my blue caterham. Could you post some more symptoms etc? I run a very active and helpful auto club here in town and I'm sure we can help you get it going! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlueMax Posted April 1, 2017 Share Posted April 1, 2017 Are the spark plugs sparking? Remove one and lay against the engine block for ground and spin engine over. If they are not sparking then check voltage to coil on both leads, need 12V. If you have 12V the the Pertronix unit has failed. Make sure that fuel is getting to the engine too! Carburetor cars are very simple to fix, all you need is fuel and spark and since it was running well before you shut it off it will be one or the other. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ultraslow Posted May 10, 2017 Author Share Posted May 10, 2017 Sorry for the lag in replying. Yeah, that was me that assaulted you at the traffic light. Anyway,I checked the plug order and firing order. Plugs are gapped and wires are new last year. There is spark. I spray starting fluid in and still no joy. I need to run static timing and then think about this some more. I may be 180deg out, how I don't know how could have come about, this exercise will give a me some idea re that. Talked with Gordon Self in ABQ, he is willing to help if I can get it to him. This problem has been building for the last six months. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ultraslow Posted May 12, 2017 Author Share Posted May 12, 2017 Just a note. Gordon Self operates alfadog a shop specializing in Alfa Romeo work. He is also a Weber-whisperer which is how I got wind of him. My problem may be weber related and he is the man for that around here. ultraslow Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lightguy Posted May 12, 2017 Share Posted May 12, 2017 Fuel, air, spark. IMO air is a given. You should be able to get some life by squirting fuel into the cabs then turning it over. If not the spark may be too weak to jump the gap. Any auto shop worth their salt should be able to help you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Off Road SHO Posted May 12, 2017 Share Posted May 12, 2017 Actually it's fuel, compressed air and spark at the right time. If you used starting fluid and with a spark it didn't pop off, you have a valve timing issue. With all spark plugs removed and the coil dead, have your lovely assistant crank over the engine with the distributor cap removed. Notice which way the rotor is rotating. With your finger covering the number one spark plug hole, Try and get her to stop cranking as soon as your finger is blown off by the compression. Look at the rotor of the distributor; it will be pointing at or just after the number one spark plug wire. Adjust the firing order according to the rotation of the rotor. Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ultraslow Posted May 15, 2017 Author Share Posted May 15, 2017 That is ALFADOC, I can't read my own writing. ultraslow Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lightguy Posted May 16, 2017 Share Posted May 16, 2017 Actually it's fuel, compressed air and spark at the right time. If you used starting fluid and with a spark it didn't pop off, you have a valve timing issue. With all spark plugs removed and the coil dead, have your lovely assistant crank over the engine with the distributor cap removed. Notice which way the rotor is rotating. With your finger covering the number one spark plug hole, Try and get her to stop cranking as soon as your finger is blown off by the compression. Look at the rotor of the distributor; it will be pointing at or just after the number one spark plug wire. Adjust the firing order according to the rotation of the rotor. Tom I stand corrected. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ultraslow Posted May 21, 2017 Author Share Posted May 21, 2017 I was able to restart my seven today. Those of you who had the chosen topic"180 out" win the lottery. With a neighbors help we static times it and reset the timing . All is right with the world now. ultraslow Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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