VX Coupe resto

[lancialulu]

So after a month and a half driving round Europe (in another Lancia) it was time to get back onto the VX coupe.

First problem it would not start.... I had fitted a newer and rebuilt carburettor before the summer break but had not run the car since then. I had no reason to suspect the carb as it is so simple (VX version) but I took it off just to double check. After carefully refitting it (no manifold leaks etc) I checked the valve clearance  and all were good - no tight valves.

I changed the plugs and it eventually fired up but only seemed to run on 3 (or 2). I rechecked the plug leads..... Nothing out of order. It also popped alarmingly through the carb on initial use of accelerator.

On Nigel's advice I checked that the cam timing was still correct (yes) and the ignition timing was OK c10deg at 1000rpm.

Cylinder 2 and 3 were dead but had good spark (changed over leads and further new plugs....).

I redid a hot compression test. This time all were around 160-165psi.

I am at a loss (although I suspect there is something going on with the head gasket between 2 & 3).

Any imput before I start tearing the engine to pieces (which will have to wait as I have a few smaller projects to finish first)??

[peteracs]

Hi

Are you sure you have the timing right for the plugs as sounds a bit like wrong lead to wrong plug?

If compression is consistent then issue between 2 & 3 does not make sense.

Peter

[SanRemo78]

You've checked the plug leads are going to the right plugs Tim but have you tried removing all four plugs and checking for sparks on all of them? You may have a faulty plugs or leads?

Try pulling the waterproof covers off at the distributor before inserting the plug leads in case they're not fully home?

Have you tried another distributor cap?

A compression test with those results doesn't indicate an issue between 2 and 3 as Nigel says.

Once reassembled try cranking the motor with the lights out in case there are a couple of leads arcing out preventing the plugs sparking?

[rossocorsa]

Have you checked the sensor in the distributor? The wiring insulation has a habit to erode where the wire goes into the small sensor block causing havoc

[lancialulu]

Well 1 and 4  are firing great and plugs come out white white electrodes. I suppose I could have got 2 and 3  wrong way round  - did check from dizzy cap several times....

Tim

[lancialulu]

Well, am embarrassed to admit but 2 & 3 were swapped over… fired up sweet. 😤

[peteracs]

Great result then! Easily done, I am sure a lot of us have done it.

[Ferrit]

we have all done it many times :-)  Tired and in a rush is my excuse

[Nigel]

Glad to hear it was something simple Tim.

[SanRemo78]

yes, we've all done it... It's easy to get wrong especially with a distributor cap that isn't numbered to match the cylinders! Thank goodness the Alfa V6 12v has the markings!