Did the engine run before you started "fixing" it? there are several things all gasoline engines need to run, and all of them are equally important.
Fuel
Air
Compression
Spark
correct timing- - - -both valve and spark timing.
DO NOT SKIP CONFIRMING ANY STEPS IN THE DIAGNOSIS- - - -"It sounds good" or "It looks good" is not a positive test.
Item #1- - - -make sure the distributor turns, and the valve rocker arms move. Yes, you'll need to remove the valve cover- - - -no shortcuts! You're going to need to watch the valve action soon. A compression tester is handy to have, but it's not an absolute necessity. Have a helper spin the engine over while you watch the valves. Ditto for the distributor- - - -remove the cap and watch for the rotor to turn (clockwise) as you look down on it. Make sure the points are opening and closing fully. Don't do any ignition electrical guesswork yet- - - -that will come later. If the valves and/or the distributor don't move, you've got mechanical problems- - - -a stripped timing gear or a broken camshaft. Pull a spark plug and place your thumb over the open hole- - - - -have a helper spin the engine. The compression pressure should forcefully escape around your thumb. Low or no compression will be caused by sticky or burned valves, or really bad piston rings. Check all the cylinders the same way, or do a compression test. Compression pressure of at least 60 PSI or more is enough to make an engine run. Compression should be close to equal on all cylinders, but I've seen engines run (badly) on only 3 or 4 cylinders with good compression
Now- - - -watch the two valves at the very back of the cylinder head- - - -#6 cylinder. The rearmost valve is exhaust- - - -tap the starter repeatedly until that valve spring compresses fully. keep tapping the starter until that spring relaxes and the next one in line (intake) starts to compress. Look at the distributor rotor and its relationship to the spark plug wires- - - -the tip of the rotor should be pointing to the #1 cylinder plug wire. Arrange the rest of the wires clockwise to 5-3-6-2-4. If the firing order is incorrect, fix it.
Back to the distributor and point electrical circuit- - - -Tap the starter until the rubbing block on that new point set is on one of the high spots of the distributor cam- - - -you've got six choices- - - -which one doesn't matter. Adjust the point gap to approximately .015"- - -a business card folded in half will be about right for an initial setting. With the points open and the ignition switch turned on, the small electrical terminal on the side of the distributor should read battery voltage when measured with a voltmeter, or an ice pick style test light should illuminate if you don't have a voltmeter handy. With the points closed, the voltage should go to zero, and/or the test light will go out.
Follow these steps- - - - -EXACTLY- - - - -and get back to us if the engine doesn't start.
Jerry
