Crusty rocker cover, overheating, loss of power.

[timwilks13]

Ok so last night i changed the head gasket, well i changed every gasket, put the whole thing back together.....and nothing. She wont start, not even attempting to fire, this is so frustrating. I have checked and checked and checked everything, everything is back where it should be, and tight, timing belt is aligned properly. Anyone had this after changing head gasket, and/or knows what might have gone wrong?!

[ScottieJ]

Are you getting a spark if you pull off a Ht lead and turn it over while holding it near the block it should arc across to the engine?

Do you have compression?

Is the dizzy in the correct position? You could be 1 tooth out so its sparking at the wrong time.

[timwilks13]

Got a spark on all plugs and ht leads, dizzy is aligned correctly (chalk marked everything before removal). didnt get round to compression testing last night so will look at that later and update here with the results!

[ScottieJ]

Got a spark on all plugs and ht leads, dizzy is aligned correctly (chalk marked everything before removal). didnt get round to compression testing last night so will look at that later and update here with the results!

So no chance you might have the timing 180 degree's out? it's very easy to do on these, I've done it a few times quick way to see if you've done this is just swap the leads around.

[timwilks13]

Didnt realise it could be put on backwards, i hope i havent!! Will have to check, pretty sure i havent but now youve put the idea in my head ill have to make sure ha!

The only thing that was slightly concerning is that the notch in the timing belt pulley at the end of the crank shaft has worn slight, so when you line the pulley up with the crank shaft there is a bit of rotational give, meaning its possible that the timing is a degree or two out. Could that slight offset be the issue?!

[ScottieJ]

A degree or so of timing shouldn't stop it from running.

It is very easy to get the dizzy timing out 180 degrees so that would be the first thing i'd check.

[timwilks13]

Checked it and dizzy is all fine..ill have another play later and see where i get. Gonna try and start it with some easy start to check everything is firing right and see if its a fuel/air issue.

[timwilks13]

Right im not gettin a spark, checked each plug and they work fine, CT leads were fine last when i last used it yesterday, and dizzy i turning round so im thinking it could be the ignition coil? But seems odd that it would just go since last night? Ig Coil fuse is fine, any suggestions?

[dan_2k_uk]

Something isnt connected right to the dizzy or coil then. Is the connection to the points correct?

[timwilks13]

everything seems in order and connected correctly. anyone know what the coil resistance limits are so i can test if the coil has gone?