Starting problems

bran3b · #1 (**permalink**) 01-01-2002, 03:20 PM

I am trying to start my 460 for the first time, but I am having trouble. I had the ignition off at first, which caused a few backfires throught the Edelbrock carb, but I knew that I was getting a spark. Now that I reset the timing, I don't seem to be getting any spark. I am using the MSD 6AL controller and coil with an MSD distributor. Is there a reliable way to test the coil and controller?

Thanks,
Bran

ERA535 · #2 (**permalink**) 01-01-2002, 03:27 PM

Check on the MSD website - I believe they have some diagnostics there telling you how to do what you need. By the way - double check all your grounds.

bran3b · #3 (**permalink**) 01-01-2002, 03:32 PM

Thanks ERA535, Ill try it. Now that you mention it I think that my grounds might be a little weak.

Bran

Jack21 · #4 (**permalink**) 01-01-2002, 04:20 PM

Here's a way to test CD box function and coil output.

Disconnect the distributor from the box. The box has a lead for points type ignitions. When you install the box, leave a short length of the points lead pigtailed and taped for diagnostics like this. Connect a test lead to the points lead and park it someplace where it won't inadvertently touch anything. Leave the coil connected. Put a spark plug on the coil output plug wire that normally goes to the distributor. Grip the base of the plug with a vice grip, lay the vice grip handle on the engine block with the plug tip facing you so you can see it.

Turn on the ignition so there is power to the box. Tap the points lead from the box to a ground momentarily. In a points ignition, the spark is made when the points open. Here, a spark is made when the points lead briefly touches a ground (simulating points closing, then opening). Plug sparks. Box, coil, and wiring are good.

Distributor phasing. The distributor rotor needs to point to the #1 plug wire when the #1 plug fires. Since the crank, and timing pointer rotates twice for each distributor rotation, it's easy to get this wrong. The engine coughs and pops through the carb, but won't start.

With distributor cap on, put a mark on the distributor housing right under the #1 plug wire with a magic marker. The rotor tip should point to this mark when properly phased. Take distributor cap off. Using a breaker bar and socket on the crank bolt, rotate the engine until the #1 intake valve opens, then closes. Keep rotating the engine until the crank timing pointer is at 12 deg BTDC (or wherever you set your initial lead). Rotor tip pointing to the mark you made? When it is, the distributor is properly phased. If it isn't, reinstall distributor until it is. Use an oil pump drive primer tool, or same size socket on 1/4" extention to rotate the oil pump drive to help seat distributor in oil pump drive.

Clois Harlan · #5 (**permalink**) 01-02-2002, 07:00 AM

I had the same problem a couple of weeks ago. Be sure you have your wiring from your solinoid correct. Most of all make sure you have a good ground cable from your block to your frame. The MSD site was very helpfull too.

Good luck.

Clois Harlan

bran3b · #6 (**permalink**) 01-02-2002, 07:36 AM

I am going to try a new coil tonight. When I checked the spark from the coil with the controller box hooked up, there was about 1 spark avery other revolution, and it was VERY weak. If that doesn't work, on to testing the controller box and checking the wiring again.

Thanks for all of the ideas, I will let you know what works.
Bran

bran3b · #7 (**permalink**) 01-02-2002, 06:13 PM

OK, I am about to ask a stupid question. I replaced the coil, now it runs, but VERY badly. It seems like the firing order is off. I am using 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8, with the distributor turning counterclockwise. Does this seem right? I will check the plug wires tomorow, just in case.

Thanks,
Bran

bran3b · #8 (**permalink**) 01-03-2002, 06:31 PM

Oh baby does it run!!!

OK here is a chain of events.
1) bad ground causing a weak spark, not running at all.
2) Replace grounding strap, now no spark at all!
3) burned out coil caused by poor ground.
4) replaced coil, barely running.
5) realized that the choke was staying closed, running way rich, if at all.
6) Disabled choke completely, ran rough, but ran
7) ajusted timing,

Finnaly my baby comes to life!!! Now to name her, any ideas?

Bran

ERA535 · #9 (**permalink**) 01-03-2002, 09:08 PM

the cobra.

I don't name cars.

bran3b · #10 (**permalink**) 01-03-2002, 09:19 PM

Has a nice ring to it.

Jack21 · #11 (**permalink**) 01-03-2002, 10:09 PM

Ask your wife, girlfriend, or significant other for naming suggestions. You might be surprised what she comes up with.

Oh, and you gotta "Christen" it too. Since it doesn't have a back seat, you'll have to get creative.