Problem
Engine cranks normally but fails to start.
Cause
No voltage to ignition system. Ignition module lead open, grounded, loose or corroded. Primary connections not tight. Ignition coil open or shorted. Defective reluctor or pick up coil. The ignition module is defective. Defective distributor cap or rotor. Faulty fuel system. Engine faulty.
Solution
Check battery, ignition switch, wiring. Repair as needed. Clean, seat connectors. Test coil, replace if defective. Replace reluctor or pick up coil. Replace ignition module. Replace distributor cap or rotor. Check fuel system. Check engine and service if required.
Problem
Engine backfires but fails to start.
Engine backfires but fails to start.
Cause
Incorrect timing. Moisture in distributor cap. Voltage leak across the cap. Secondary cables not connected in firing order. Cross firing between secondary cables.
Incorrect timing. Moisture in distributor cap. Voltage leak across the cap. Secondary cables not connected in firing order. Cross firing between secondary cables.
Solution
Set timing. Dry the cap. Replace the cap. Reconnect secondary cables correctly. Replace defective cables.
Problem
Engine runs but misses.
Engine runs but misses.
Cause
Spark plugs fouled or faulty. Cap or rotor faulty. Secondary cables defective. Defective ignition coil. Bad connections. High voltage leaks. Advance mechanism defective. Defective fuel system. Mechanical engine problems.
Spark plugs fouled or faulty. Cap or rotor faulty. Secondary cables defective. Defective ignition coil. Bad connections. High voltage leaks. Advance mechanism defective. Defective fuel system. Mechanical engine problems.
Solution
Clean, regap or replace spark plugs. Replace cap or rotor. Replace secondary cables. Replace ignition coil. Clean or tighten bad connections. Check cap, rotor or secondary cables. Check, repair or replace advance mechanism. Check fuel system. Repair or service engine.
Clean, regap or replace spark plugs. Replace cap or rotor. Replace secondary cables. Replace ignition coil. Clean or tighten bad connections. Check cap, rotor or secondary cables. Check, repair or replace advance mechanism. Check fuel system. Repair or service engine.
Problem
Engine overheats.
Engine overheats.
Cause
Late timing. Lack of coolant or other trouble in cooling system. Late valve timing or other.
Late timing. Lack of coolant or other trouble in cooling system. Late valve timing or other.
Solution
Set ignition timing. Check camshaft timing, tappet clearance, adjust if needed.
Set ignition timing. Check camshaft timing, tappet clearance, adjust if needed.
Problem
Engine springs spark knock.
Engine springs spark knock.
Cause
Incorrect timing. Wrong fuel used. Defective advance mechanism. Carbon build up in cylinders.
Incorrect timing. Wrong fuel used. Defective advance mechanism. Carbon build up in cylinders.
Solution
Set ignition timing. Use correct fuel as recommended. Repair or replace advance mechanism. Service engine.
Set ignition timing. Use correct fuel as recommended. Repair or replace advance mechanism. Service engine.
Problem
Spark plug defective.
Spark plug defective.
Cause
Cracked insulator. Carbon filled spark plug. Busted spark plug.
Cracked insulator. Carbon filled spark plug. Busted spark plug.
Solution
Set ignition timing. Clean spark plug. Install new spark plug.
Set ignition timing. Clean spark plug. Install new spark plug.
Problem
Engine runs on or diesels.
Cause
Idle solenoid out of adjustment or fuel shut off faulty. Hot spots in combustion chamber. Engine overheating. Advance timing.
Solution
Adjust or replace solenoid. Service engine. Set ignition timing.
