Success

[Jim Yergin]

Some time ago I solicited advice on why my P12 would not start after removing the carb to have George Asche check it out. I got frustrated enough that I let it sit while I went to work on paint preparation and body work. I knew that I had spark and I could see fuel in the carb so I concluded that the problem had to be timing. I double and triple checked the static timing. Just recently I remembered previous posts on this forum about the plug wires in the distributor cap being off one spot. Even though I have no recollection of having disturbed those wires since I had the engine running before, I figured it was worth a try changing the postions on the cap. I moved each wire one spot counter-clockwise, turned on the ignition, hit the starter pedal and it started right up. On the one hand I am very pleased that it runs but on the other hand it is a bit disconcerting to be reminded how old and forgetful I am getting.

Jim Yergin

[greg g]

Glad you got it going Jim. Always good when fixes are easy and free.

[1just4don]

...any prankter buddies that are trying to YANK your chain???

I know not the condition of your ride, year etc, but IS there a remote chance that your timing chain slipped few cogs??

Wasnt a mopar,,but we went to strange town long ways from home.(to buy cars from somebody that they knew) This guy gave us a ride down there.(in his trusty old ride,,errr boat.) Stopped at a gas station, shut it off, gassed and tryed starting,no go!! Slipped timing chain. Had to ride home with us in cars running that we bought. Had it fixed and went back after it. I thought that was the strangest thing,,,to strip the timing out sitting at a gas pump,,,OFF!!!(actually probably on restarting it)

[Jim Yergin]

If it was a prankster, I'm not laughing. I guess anything is possible but the engine came with one of my parts cars and the seller told me it was a "remanufactured" engine that had never been run. I would hope that if that is true then the timing chain had been checked and replaced if necessary. I think it is more likely that I removed the spark plug wires, reinstalled them while the carb was off and then forgot I had done so. Trouble shooting is challenging enough without creating more "troubles" in doing so.

Jim Yergin

[Don Coatney]

Jim;

Glad you got it running. It may be possible that the last time you had the engine running it was borderline on timing. There may be enough movement in the slot on the distributor base to allow the engine to run even though the timing was severly retarded or advanced. By re-configuring the wires in the cap you are possibly more in the middle of the timing span. Are you going to continue building the 230 engine?

[Jim Yergin]

Don,

Good point. Yes I am continuing with the 230 engine. I have the block, head, camshaft and crank at the machine shop to be checked out and machined where necessary. In the mean time I am proceeding with the painting of the fenders and hood. Having the 201 running gives me more options on how to proceed.

On another note, the Early Ford V8 club is having a national meet car show in Fairfax, Virginia on June 2. Will you be in the area then?

Jim Yergin

[Don Coatney]

Don,

Good point. Yes I am continuing with the 230 engine. I have the block, head, camshaft and crank at the machine shop to be checked out and machined where necessary. In the mean time I am proceeding with the painting of the fenders and hood. Having the 201 running gives me more options on how to proceed.

On another note, the Early Ford V8 club is having a national meet car show in Fairfax, Virginia on June 2. Will you be in the area then?

Jim Yergin

Jim;

I should be in the area on the 2nd of June. Is the Manassas Saturday evening Burger King cruise in started yet?

[Jim Yergin]

Yes it has.

Jim Yergin