sparking problems

[rems]

hi all i now have another problem with my ovlov 340

it wont start

it turns over then it back fires but wont actually start

i check whether the ht are sparking and they are but its a constant spark ie instead of spark.....spark.....spark.....spark.....ect its sparksparksparkspark

anybody have any ideas coz its being sold on sunday fingers crossed

cheers

rems

[morgan105]

Have you checked your dizzy cap for any signs of moisture or cracks (could be arcing inside) and have you checked and cleaned the crank position sensor. The dizzy cap can be pron to getting a bit of moisture in it if the plastic condensation plate inside is cracked and the cps gets dirty from time to time which will cause starting problems.

[volvodspec]

change the leads!!!

[rems]

i hava orderd a new dizzy cap and rotor arm so will let you know if its still like it once fitted

[Ride_on]

The 1.7 is susceptible to oil leaking into the distributor cap, you shouldn't need to change the cap, just clean it thoroughly with a solvent like white spirit and then inspect it visually. Likewise clean all the leads/distributor arm/coil.

You should check the spark first, by pulling off a lead a placing it near a metal body part, possibly with a small bolt in it to get the gap within 1" or so. Try the main coil lead first then the plug leads. A big difference will indicate problems in the cap (expect 4 times more sparks at the main lead of course). If its bright, strong and regular at both sides you may have other problems. If is irregular / dim could be just dirt, but worth cleaning anyway just to eliminate this. A faulty flywheel sensor will stop the ignition working, but they don't usually seem be very intermittent, usually just stop working completely or fail at certain temps

Check fuel by pulling of the air filter cover and checking fuel squirts down the barrels when you press the accelerator (or push the lever at the carb). it should start even if you just pour a few CCs of fuel down the barrel.

Presumably the engine sounds normal when cranking and you have compression.