123ignition installed but the car doesn't start...

Johan_CS2800

Johan_CS2800

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Hi Guys,

What are the settings (curves) you are using for the moment?
I installed the 123ignition (bluetooth version), new sparkplugs, new spark wires, new coil (Bosch red) with the resistor shortcutted.
I did everything according the little booklet that came with the 123.
But the car doesn't start, just a big 'oumpf' kinda sound every now and then.
The only thing that I reckon is strange, is that when I install the cap, the distributor isn't exactly pointing at the plugwire of cilinder no. 1, but about 5 degrees more to the right.
So, is this just a timing problem or something else? I think I had all the timing marks right: little bolt pointing at notch under valvehead, the notch at the front pointing at the 0 on the belt-wheel and on the flywheel it points at a '0'. No ballmark there, is that strange?
I'm a bit desperate cause the car was running before I installed the 123.

Thanks for any help!
Johan
 
I’ve installed a bunch these for folks over the years. It sounds like your timing is way off. It happens...

Loosen the dizzy and turn it counter clockwise (anti-clockwise for those across the pond). Go about 1/4 turn. Try it again. Turn it more if it won’t fire. I’d bet your 180 degrees out of phase.

Once you get it running, simply time it by ear to keep it idling. Use you advancing timing light to confirm any spot on your programmed curve and lock it down.

You’ll get it.
Ed
 
I once replaced a set of plug wires on a Saab that had the distributor installed 180 degrees out of phase. I installed the new wires according to the repair manual I had, and could not get the car to start. A mechanic friend of mine found the problem. One of those really painful lessons you don't forget.
 
Open the oil cap and confirm the cam lobes on #1 are equidistant pointing DOWN.
If they are up you are 180 * off.
 
Yes, verify TDC #1 cylinder with valve cover off. The bolt on the cam gear lines up at top, lobes down, mark on balancer pulley lines up with notch on lower timing case, TDC 0 ball on flywheel visible in bellhousing window. Make sure #1 pug wire is over rotor at TDC. Then advance a little at a time until it starts.
 
Johan_CS2800 said:
So, is this just a timing problem or something else? I think I had all the timing marks right: little bolt pointing at notch under valvehead, the notch at the front pointing at the 0 on the belt-wheel and on the flywheel it points at a '0'. No ballmark there, is that strange?
Click to expand...

Yup, it's strange.

As other have written, you don't have it timed correctly. Playing with curves will help "dial it in", but it should start with pretty much any curve.
 
On a 4-stroke engine, you pass TDC twice in each full intake/exhaust cycle. 180 degrees out of phase (as was mine when i first installed it!).
 
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