New Distributor, won't run for long

Johnnybgood

Member
Hi again. The V8 now has its new electronic distributor. I've checked the timing as best I can. Cleaned out the fuel filter in the electric pump. It has new plugs. There's fuel flowing into the fuel filter. It starts reluctantly, runs for 30 seconds or so then stops and doesn't want to start again. I'm running out of ideas and enthusiasm now and seem to be running round in circles. ! Has anyone any thoughts on this please?
Thanks
John
 
Lots of things could be doing it, a few off the top of my head...
Are the carbs set up correctly, with the chokes working, jet height correct etc?
What plugs have you put in?
Is your timing firing sequence correct?
Is the inlet tract air leak free?
 
All those things worked well before the distributor packed up. Two people diagnosed an old ( 105000 miles and 44 years old) worn distributor so I've replaced it. Firing order is correct. Carbs were cleaned and set up about a month ago by guy I've used a lot. It does seem like a fuel problem to me, but I'm getting disheartened now.....Thanks for the ideas.
 
It was swapped from another car at the same time the distributor was changed. It came from a running MK1 Golf. Is it worth replacing again? Hadn't thought of that one!
 
Is it the right coil to go with the electronic distributer .also the V8 originally had a ballasted coil running at a lower voltage. When you say a new electronic distributer , did it replace a points one, if so is the distributer wired up correctly?
 
Yes it orginally had one that had powerspark ignition which replaces the points, that was in when I bought the car. The distributor is wired up right but, as someone pointed out, the coil may not be the right one. I'll buy a new one.
 
I had similar,multiple, issues, last thing we changed was the fuel pump. Along with carbs overhauled, new plugs, leads, fuel filter and coil. Plus we replaced the oil which contained lots of petrol from all the attempts to start the blasted thing......! Runs like a dream now.
 
I've done similar. Frustrating thing is I did the cam, lifters pushrods, timing chains and it started first time! This time it's had a cleaned out electric fuel pump and fitted new plugs. The only thing I've changed is the distributor, foran electronic one. Coil is next. Fuel in the oil I hadn't thought of.
Great cars when they run. Frustrating when they don't, but you can say that about a lot of cars though!
 
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