princess 25 engine

[chrissy]

I cant Get the engine started. It is a 130 petrol, Have got good spark from coil to distributor and I have put a spark tester on the leads to the plugs and there is a good spark. However if I take the plug out and put it to earth it wont spark. Hold it slightly away and it sparks, any solutions would be appreiciated.

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[brianrunyard]

I suspect the condenser.
Then I'd fit new plug leads and contact breaker.

<hr width=100% size=1>Brian
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/brunyard

 

[Horse]

Try checking your engine earth, and at the distributor. May be a high resistance contact.

<hr width=100% size=1>Horse

 

[gonfishing]

Have you checked your distributer cap for damage/ cracking ??? does'nt matter how minute the damage it can cause the problem described.
Julian

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[BarryH]

Well its a volvo init........... I'll get me coat

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[chrissy]

Yes I do suspect the distributor cap I am trying to locate a new one locally.
As keypart are expensive. But why is there a spark between the lead and the plug using a spark tester.

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[BarryH]

Hang about, why you looking to spend 35 quid on a dizzy cap when you could spend less than a tenner on a new set of plugs! You said it yourself that the HT is getting to the plugs. I'd change the plugs first then see where you go from there as the HT is getting all the way from the coil down the leads!

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[chrissy]

The plugs were new and have hardly done 10 hrs running as we have been refitting the boat. Surley all 4 wouldent be duff?. I have managed to locate a dizzy cap for £7 from a local car parts supplier.

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[Dave1258]

I suspect your coil is not quite up to scratch, reason being if a spark will jump air gap from end of spark plug to engine block, ( I presume that's where your holding it whilst someone else is cranking engine) the air gap offers less resistance than electrode gap at spark plug.
Try cleaning all ignition coil terminals, pull King lead out of centre coil H.T. post check it's not turned green, also check for full 12v at SW side of coil.
Regards Dave

<hr width=100% size=1>Someday my ship will come in, and with my luck I'll be at the airport!!