[x2turbo]

Another RRC won't start thread, but I'm at wits end. I can follow directions, but I'm not sure how to troubleshoot.

Last fall I had the coil, distributor, amp module, cap and rotor replaced by a rover tech in Madison WI. It ran for a couple of weeks and then wouldn't start again. It died in December.

I purchased new plugs (Bosch Platinum gapped .035), wires and a new battery and installed them today since finally had the time and some decent weather. Wisconsin winter was brutal this year.

It still won't start. It acts like it wants to, but it just won't fire. The fuel pump is working properly as I can smell fuel after trying a few times. I let it sit a bit between attempts in case I flooded it.

How can I test if I'm getting spark?

Thanks for any help that can be given.

 

[Bigwheel]

I had this happen to me last week. Maybe a fluke but did check to see if I had fuel in my fuel rail and did. Itwould roll over and wouldnt start like yours. I have had an inline spark/light tester for years. Think you can get them at the auto parts store. Put it on any of the plugs rolled it over and had no spark. For me I was wiggling the ignition key around some and then had spark again. Has me a little worried but mine is not on the road so I can live with it at the moment. Don't know if there is one on these but have seen those park position sensor get sticky or go bad and the car wouldnt start. Hope it helps.

 

[mikieman]

If you spray starter fluid in the intake
And you have spark it should fire
Weather your getting fuel or not
I'd go with cap and rotor
Or check wires between spark mod and coil

 

[x2turbo]

That's an interesting comment. I'm pretty sure the steering column was replaced sometime in the past and the ignition switch does give me troubles from time to time. It doesn't always want to turn.

Is there anything I can do to inspect the switch or is it something that is easier to replace?

 

[x2turbo]

Mikieman, all that stuff is new but I'll verify that the connections are sound. Thanks

 

[mikieman]

New is good
But if you have spark to the plugs
The timing is right
You spray stater fluid in the intake
It will
Fire
I've had bad rotor buttons and caps
I've seen here several posts where the wires
From the spark modulator to the coil
Were bad
My coil went out just a few months
Ago
Any way
I'm just feelin like giving imput

 

[x2turbo]

Any input is helpful and I appreciate your help.

Do I pull off the air cleaner assembly to give it a shot of starter fluid?

 

[p76rangie]

Any input is helpful and I appreciate your help.

Do I pull off the air cleaner assembly to give it a shot of starter fluid?

It is easier to pull off one of the vacuum lines and feed it in that way.
You only need 3 things for a motor to run, fuel, compression and spark.
To check fuel is getting to the correct pressure, just pull off the return hose from the fuel pressure regulator. Make sure nothing is hot near that area and then turn the key. If fuel comes out you know that you have enough pressure in the system.
To check spark, just pull one of the spark plugs, connect its high tension lead and have the metal base of the plug sitting on a metal part of the motor for earthing. Get someone to turn over the motor with the ignition key and see if the spark plug sparks. It should have a strong blue coloured spark. If it passes this test, then it is most likely your timing.

 

[scottt]

How can I test if I'm getting spark?

Grab a spare sparkplug, disconnect one of the sparkplug leads, and hook it up to the spare sparkplug. Contact the sparkplug body to the engine block to close the circuit. Get someone to crank the engine, and you should see the sparkplug lighting up

If you don't get anything, try making contact with the negative battery terminal instead.

If you still don't get anything, check for voltage supply to your ignition coil.