Trying to get my car running

Welcome to 2CarPros.

Kenny, this is going to be a tough one. However, lets give it a try. Since you mentioned timing marks, are you trying to install the distributor or need help adjusting the points?

If it is related to the points, I need to know engine size (how many cylinder) to determine what is called dwell. That is the amount of time the points stay open. Also, if you are working with replacing the distributor, let me know.

Any pictures you have will be helpful so I can see what you are working on. Also, please keep in mind, I have absolutely no technical information on this vehicle, so let's hope the basics get the job done. When you respond, please be as specific as you can regarding what needs done.

I will watch for your reply. By the way, this is a far cry from a Smartcar. LOL

Take care,
Joe

Welcome back:

The first thing, you need to get the plug wires to the correct cylinder. Is anything casted on the cylinder head? A standard firing order for a 4 cyl is a 1342. Do you see that anywhere?

Joe

Welcome back:

I would say yes. The closest to the front should be cylinder 1. Now, make sure the number 1 cylinder piston is at top dead center and the rotor button under the distributor cap points at the number 1 spark plug wire. Also, confirm the rotation direction of the rotor to make sure you have the wires in the correct firing order.

Let me know what you want to do next.

Joe

Welcome back:

Now that you have aligned the rotor button with number one on the cap, is the number 1 cylinder still at top dead center (TDC)? If it is, give it a try and let me know the results.

Joe

Hi Kenny.
The washers look okay. When you say you get spark, is that when you remove the coil wire from the distributor? Is it a just one spark or does it pulse on and off? Is there anything from the plug wires as far as spark?

Let me know. The reason I ask is because if there is spark off the coil, then the problem is between the rotor button and distributor cap.

I will watch for your reply. Also, let me know how you gaped the plugs and if you have one of the old dwell meters.

Take care,
Joe

Welcome back:

Same here. I've had it for many years and it just collects dust. LOL (dwell meter)

Have you set the points? Are they opening and closing? Are they in good condition?

Joe

All I can say is that on a traditional ignition, the coil gets power from the positive. I don't want you to make a mistake, so I hate to say it, but on this vehicle, I'm not sure.

Now, I looked again at the pictures. The Is the nylon washer on the left or right of the connection? If on the right, is there any way for it to make contact? On older vehicles, often times the left side of where it bolts to the distributor is a plastic insulator. If you have the nylon washer on the right, it may not be making any connection,

It's just a thought. It's really hard for me to tell in the pic.

Let me know.

Joe

PS: I would love to see a picture of the vehicle. Do you have any?

Welcome back"

Picture 1 looks fine. How far do you have the points opening? You have the condenser and points tied together. I assume the wire with the red connector goes to the coil negative. Here is what happens. When the points are closed, low voltage completes the coil circuit and sends a spark. When the points open, the condenser accepts the power. If the points are not opening it won't work, and if they are always open, the condenser will get all the power.

Picture 2 looks unbelievable. Wow is that thing beautiful. I have never seen one and it looks great! In what country are you located? I have never seen one in the US.

Joe

Welcome back:

Timing issues won't cause no spark. It will just spark at the wrong time. Are you certain the rotor is turning when the engine is being cranked? If you remove the distributor cap and crank the engine, does it turn? Have you checked the coil itself?

Let me know.

Joe