Another help me get this engine started! Thread Options

[Literati914]

1.7 that was supposedly rebuilt just before I purchased the project approx 7 year ago. Never started before. D-jet. Electronic unit replacing the orig. points. Engine currently installed in the engine bay. I primed the oil system the other day and now the idiot light will go out after a couple seconds of cranking.

About the 3rd time or so of trying to start the engine.. it seemed to have lit, it only lasted about 2 seconds (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) but it felt good, like it wouldn’t take long. Unfortunately it’s not done much but turn over strong since then. Sometimes it’ll do a little shuffle like it’s gonna start, but no.

I checked the plugs and they have spark, they seemed slightly damp at the electrodes, I also pulled the little small extra bolt on the fuel rail at the driver’s side to see if fuel was making it to the injectors and yes it is apparently.

This 1.7 has a fan with 2 markings… a “0” and an “|” …. Haynes says it’s supposed to have 3 markings but mine does not. If I insert a screwdriver into #1 cylinder and manually bring the fan around via a wrench on the alternator bolt (pulling it towards me from the driver’s side).. I come to the “|” first, before the piston is completely at the top. So I’m speculating that “|” is 5degrees btdc . And this is the mark I’m using to set my distributor. Does that sound right?

[Literati914]

I would put it at .. You have a 1.7 so maybe best to start with 7.

Some, some 1.7s supposedly have a 5 degree mark intended for the static setting .. mine does not ( I have 0 tdc and the red mark for 27). I'll set it at 7 degrees if that seems safe.

I have a dumb question though (yea another one!), I haven't really been able to wrap my head around :
Weren't these cars made before ADJUSTABLE timing lights were common? that being the reason for multiple fan markings? ..and since I have an adjustable light, why wouldn't setting the light to 27 degrees and then rotate the distributor while idling, (concentrating on the "0"/TDC mark instead of the provided 27 degree red mark) not put timing where it needs to be?