Ha Ha Ha! It's alive!

[macawlover70]

Hey all. I took my 1981 fiat spider out for it's first test drive. It runs pretty good. What a great feeling to spend so much time and energy to finally see the results. I have some minor issues to fix but overall it runs pretty good.
Now, here is something wierd that probably kept me from getting it started sooner. I put the motot at top dead center, cams line up, put rotor at #4 position on cap. Tried to start it and it would run barely and only to about 1300 rpm's floored. So I got out and turned the distributer almost 90 degrees till it ran pretty good and good throttle response. So I put the timing light on it and I can't find the mark. Then I see it way down there and turn the rotor and see it coming towards the marks but when I get to the marks it runs terrible so I just timed it by ear and it's 90' out so any ideas besides the obviouse that my timing mark is marked on the wrong spot on the pully wheel? I am pretty sure it's right but will double check it later. It's breaktime right now.
To say I am excited is an understatement. Thanks everyone who helped me. Without it I would still be working on it. Now I have to get a new top and weld a new hinge on the hood but she'll be on the road soon.

Robert

[rlux4]

WOO HOO!!!
Way to hang in there Robert.
I've talked with you, so I know you're sure your timing positions are correct. The only thing I can think of is are you using a mark on the crank pulley to time to, or the V notch on the pulley? Could be the same guy who told you the plugs were new put a mark on the pulley in the wrong place.
Ron

[ventura ace]

The best way to confirm TDC is to pull a spark plug and put a dial indicator on top of a piston as you rotate the engine and look for the highest travel. A wooden dowel or screwdriver is a decent subsitute for a dial indicator (be sure not to put a sharp tip in the bore that will damage the piston or piston bore).

Alvon

[macawlover70]

Yea, I know that that mark is tdc of # 4 piston on the compression stroke and I know that the cams are timed to TDC #4 piston, but it won't run when I set the distributer rotor to #4 ...............................Ah shit, as I am writing this I just realized I put the timing light on spark plug wire #1 thats good. But I must have the rotor pointed at the wrong terminal even though I know I tested it with the tester to make sure which one was #4 but I must be wrong if I had to turn it 90'. But I bet it will be fine when I put the light on the #4 wire then I will just remark the cap.
Cool beans. It runs good. I have to get the exauhst leak fixed. New top. Weld the hood, get a new hinge. wipers and put everything back together and she'll be ready for inspection and I should be driving her in a couple of weeks full time. I am overjoyed. Thanks all.

Robert

Pics to follow soon.

[So Cal Mark]

it's a 4 stroke, you can put the timing light on either 1 or 4, doesn't matter.