No start with propane

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Sep 8, 2004 | 02:47 PM

Nushman

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From: Vancouver Island

No start with propane

I'm trying to get my '81 f-150 back on the road after changing radiator, water pump and propane reg gasket, but now it won't start. Doing this other work I noticed my plug wires at the distributer didn't match the order stamped on the engine. The point for plug #1 is marked on the dist cap but it contradicts what is in my haynes manual. The order is the same but the book says right of cap clip and the cap is marked to the left. Regardless, neither config works. I've confirmed there is spark at the plugs. Propane flow should be fine...nothing's changed there. Engine turns over fine but there is no ignition. Taking any suggestions. Thanks.

Sep 8, 2004 | 06:02 PM

StarFox

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From: Raleigh, NC

I expect that it doesn't matter what the distributor cap says as long as you have the wires in the proper order running to the assigned cylinders. Unless it is the wrong cap for the engine (too tall, not making contact w/rotor).

If it was running before the radiator, water pump and gasket change, I can't imagine that the wires were a problem before. Go back and look at the gasket, perhaps you have a leak.

Sep 8, 2004 | 06:24 PM

Nushman

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From: Vancouver Island

I should have mentioned that the truck was running fine with the new rad and gasket as I did the work in increments. No leaks and I'm sure the dist cap is stock.One thing I also forgot to mention was that when I first went to try to start it (on day one and then again on day two), I got a split second quiet pop sound from under the hood like the slightest sign of life, but nothing else and it doesn't seem to happen other than the first try.

Sep 8, 2004 | 06:41 PM

mattri

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THE HAYNES IS WRONG!!! I found this out the hard way while doing a head gasket. Just start over with your timing. Get your #1 piston at TDC then set your cap at #1 and follow the order on the manifold.

Sep 9, 2004 | 03:31 PM

Nushman

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Okay, so having never fixed the timing before I'll double check that I've done this right. The cut out mark on the crank pulley lines up with TDC and I've rotated the distributor so that the rotor points at #1. After doing this my problem remains. I've read on other threads that you line up the pulley to the point marked 10 and not TDC. Any thoughts?

Sep 9, 2004 | 10:10 PM

mattri

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If you didn't mess with the dampener or the timing gears I wouldn't worry about the timing marks yet. This is what worked for me. Disconnect coil,(safety first). Leave all the plugs in except for #1, place your thumb firmly over the spark plug hole so that it seals the hole. Then slowly turn the engine until you feel the preassure build under your thumb, it may push your thumb off. This to determine your compression stroke. At the very top of your compression stroke you should be at TDC. When you have determined that you are at the top of your compression stroke set your distributor to #1 position (so the rotor is pointing at #1 terminal on your cap). Now install the rest of your plug wires on the cap in the order listed on your intake manifold. If everything else is ok should start. You might want to check timing with a light after that but this should get you started. Let us know what happens.

Sep 12, 2004 | 02:27 PM

Nushman

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Hey thanks mattri, your instructions for the timing were perfect. Your method got the truck running and all I had to do was turn the distributor to tune it to good running order. So, yeah thanks again.