xe no go

[just vaux trev]

been converting my nova for a while now and today it came to first start
kicked in first turn of the key/screwdriver and sounded like it was running on 3 cylinders and smoking, when it warmed up it cut out and now won't start
there is fuel there and good compresion but no 2&3 have realy weak spark
and the plugs are getting soaked in fuel think they are getting soaked due to
having weak spark, any ideas what this could be swapped leads cleaned points and rotor arm:confused:

[Adam]

Is it a dispak engine?

[just vaux trev]

no it's early one distributor

[Will F]

Good compression on the 2 pots?

Hope the h/gasket is OK! :wtf:

[Paul]

sound more mechanical rather than electrical to me....

[just vaux trev]

yes good compresion on all but would this make a weak spark??
the head gasket was replaced before the engine went in

[just vaux trev]

any other ideas?? mechanial or electrical what could i try
done sooo much work on it now and if i stop now i'll prob never start again
hopfully be running well by the end of the weekend

[Sherco]

Have you done the timing by any chance? Also what compression are you getting? And have you chanced the plugs?

[just vaux trev]

yes im afraid i did do the timing but all marks are lined up,as for compresion i ahem did the finger test i did'nt want to admit but hey no one can slap me from here and i really don't want it to be compresion, the plugs were new before the engine went in yes, how much are compresion testers about

[Sherco]

Compression testers are not to dear, i would definitely buy one just to rule out bent/leaking valves etc. Have you checked all your timing marks again since it wouldn't start?

[just vaux trev]

yes even got a mate double check the marks make sure my eyes are straight lol could it be valve stem seals perished with not being run for while?
i just really dont want it to be piston rings:cry:

[Sherco]

So the timing marks are definitely all lined up since you tried to start it? If it was be i would be getting a proper compression test done just to rule it out.

[Adam]

If theres a weak spark theres something wrong with the coil/dizzy cap/coil module(i.e. electrical)

Low compression wont cause a weak spark...

[just vaux trev]

was thinking the same /\ seems like i only get a spark as i stop turning it over
on 2&3 but 1&4 have strong sparks is it just an xe coil i can use.
will also do a compresion test just to put my mind at rest

[Will F]

If theres a weak spark theres something wrong with the coil/dizzy cap/coil module(i.e. electrical)

Low compression wont cause a weak spark...

How has it been confirmed that there is a 'weak spark'?

[Adam]

No idea, aint my car...
Im going on what hes saying lol

[just vaux trev]

woohooo sorted i got a mate to look at the spark while i turned over and it only sparked when i stoped cranking, but i stripped everything spark related last night dried out cleaned the plugs cleaned wire brushed all contacts and terminals and she fired today sounded a bit off and smoked and a mate sugested putting a second fuel filter on as he had the same with a saxo which i thought was a stupid idea but i tried it to be polite and is now running sweet soooooo pleased thanks guys :D :D :D :D

[craig green]

Plugs are probably wet fouled. I'd buy some new plugs.

[just vaux trev]

will be getting plugs and doing full service before it's used on road anyway

[Sherco]

Plugs are probably wet fouled. I'd buy some new plugs.

I second that, cant beat a nice set of nice new plugs and it saves pissing about.

[Clean 2.0 nova]

I once read somewhere that (on an ecotec engine?) a symptom of a faulty cam sensor is that all the plugs can spark at the end of cranking. Just rings a bell with your'e fault.

Iain