hey
its an 1800 type 4 motor i have replaced the spark plugs and points. i dont know the condition of the carbies but can hear fuel being sucked through (have blown out jets etc)i am yet to do the timing do u think that is it? i have also tried another 12 volt coil (same wont start)
anyone have any clues?
cheers
rhys

Hi Rhys,
Please don't take this the wrong way but you have to stop replacing parts and start diagnosing the problem going back to basics.
to run an engine needs
-fuel and air
-compression
-adequate spark at the appropriate time

So firstly
-pull all the spark plugs out, borrow a compression testing guage and test all the cylinders (crank with throttle open) readings will hopefully be above 120psi
if this is ok you know there is not likely to be a mechanical problem
-disconnect the 12v to the coil, disconnect a fuel hose from the carby and place it in a glass jar. Have a friend crank the engine over and check if fuel is flowng into the jar. If it is you have fuel. Check that the idle cuttoff solenoids are all working, they should make a click when you connect the wires (with ignition on)
-Pull one plug and connect to a spark plug lead,grond the outside against the engine and have a friend crank the engine. Do you have a nice fat spark?Set timing using the static method and double check that the spark plug leads go to the correct spark plugs (firing order 2,1,4,3)
Tell us the results
Jeff

hey
thanks for the info the only reason i replaced them was that the porcelin on the spark plugs had all cracked and i replaced the points cause they where all rusty.
the only thing in ur post that confusses me is the firing order. A standard VW engine is 1,4,3,2???????
cheers
rhys
p.s. it has a weak (orange spark) , i will check the fuel in the jar is a sec.

Ha ha ha,

Since the rotor in the dizzy spins in a circle, the firing order of 1-4-3-2 is exactly the same as 2-1-4-3, 3-2-1-4 or 4-3-2-1 for that matter.

Alrighty....
a have seen a VW engine with four cylinders below 90psi still start up and run, not well, but it did start.
An orange spark means a crap coil, so get rid of it.
You got spark and fuel, you got a running engine. Make sure the wire from the coil to the dizzy is attached and on the negative side of the coil.
Check the spark plugs again. Have they already been fouled by oil and fuel?
Good luck

Cheers
Tnate

hey
have tried a different coil the one on it know is a GT40. i didnt check the spark though.
I have spark and can see fuel being pumped through the filters into the carbies but still no go!
its electrics i know (or im sure) i am starting this engine out of the car usinga a piece of cut case starter motor etc i dont have the carby solenoids hooked up will this cause it not to start?
cheers
rhys

hey
have tried a different coil the one on it know is a GT40. i didnt check the spark though.
I have spark and can see fuel being pumped through the filters into the carbies but still no go!
its electrics i know (or im sure) i am starting this engine out of the car usinga a piece of cut case starter motor etc i dont have the carby idling solenoids hooked up will this cause it not to start?
cheers
rhys

Yep, you have to get power to those solinoids for it to run.
Have you checked the points gap. Too wide will cause weak spark. Not enough dwell time.

thanks grey will check it out in the morning and post result .
rhys
p.s. i cant see any timing marks on the pulley anyone know y?

There is a notch on the pulley and a plastic timing scale attached to the fan housing. If yours is missing the position for 7.5BTDC is pretty well directly in line (radially from the centre of the pulley) with the centre terminal of the distributor.
Hook up and check those solenoids for function, they are designed to cut off fuel flow when the ignition is off (or they are disconnected)
Jeff

thanks what is it meant to be tuned to 5 degress after TDC?
cheers
rhys
p.s. the engine number is AP035838

Rhys

An 'AP' engine is a 1972 1800 kombi engine. It should be timed statically to 7.5 degrees BEFORE TDC.

With the solenoids disconnected, no fuel will be getting through to the engine. The solenoids are there to stop fuel flow when the engine is turned off (or they're disconnected)

Good luck
Tnate

hey
i am gonna replace the fuel filters (there the big old style ones) i havent checked the compression i really dont know what is going wrong here i think its nearly time to take it to a mechnic
cheers
rhys
p.s. all reponses aree considered thanks heaps people

Wynns do a nifty product called "Start ya Bastard".

Have you tried that???

:cry nup i only wish!
cheers
rhys

There is a product called "Aero-Start" that will start just about any engine (including a high-comp rally car with the Dizzy 180 degrees out - but you shoulda seen the flames.) Your mention of a "yellow" spark, however, leads me to ask if you've tried an obvious problem - have you tried a new condenser (if it's original, it's almost certainly shot - if the car has had a few sets of burnt points, same again.)

ok
i put on the solinoid wires can hear the click when connect the battery. Withj the wires connected i take off one fuelk line to the carb and get a few dribbles through every stoke on them 2 cylinders (this occured both sides) i am know leading towards the wrong setup in the carbies ??????
do type 4 motors have a different dizzy to sday that of a type 3 1600 or the likes???
i will try and get a new condenser
cheers
rhys