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JSMotors · Joined: 30 Jun 2006 Posts: 22 Location: Howell, Mi

'78 California n/a

Put my engine back together and can't get it to run. Fuel is definitely being delivered but I'm only getting spark in the number 2 cylinder. Replaced the plugs and wires, checked and re-checked gap and timing and firing order and still only getting the number 2 cylinder to work. Ideas?

pmcaya2 · Joined: 24 Nov 2005 Posts: 191 Location: Scio, NY USA

Perhaps you should recheck the timing belt..Here's the procedure I use:

- disconnect the battery ground for safety
- remove the #1/front spark plug
- turn the engine pulley with a socket wrench until the mark on the timing pulley aligns with the pointer.
- use a wooden pencil through the #1 spark plug opening to verify that the #1 cylinder is at top dead center (TDC). If not, turn the crank around once until the mark on the engine pulley again aligns with the pointer on the engine. Verify that #1 cylinder is at TDC.
- Align the back camshaft pulley marker to the pointer. Losen the bolt on the distributor cap and turn the distributor cap so that the rotor is pointing at the contact that fires the number one cylinder. Tighten the distributor cap screw and the camshaft drive belt tensioner with everything aligned as noted. Connect the battery and fire it up. Hope that this helps. - Peter

9XX Girl! · Posted: Sat May 01, 2010 9:37 pm Post subject:

as above however, you should get sparks at all plugs whether the valve timing or ignition timing is correct or not.

dpw928 · Joined: 02 Nov 2002 Posts: 1860 Location: owasso, ok 74055

If your 78 has the points and condenser type ignition, the points needs replaced/gapped or the condenser is faulty.

Dennis
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81 931 5 sp
78 928 5 sp Silver
78 928 AT Euro Black

JSMotors · Joined: 30 Jun 2006 Posts: 22 Location: Howell, Mi

What's the condenser? I cleaned the contact points on the cap, but they do appear to be worn down.

dpw928 · Joined: 02 Nov 2002 Posts: 1860 Location: owasso, ok 74055

9XX Girl! · Posted: Sun May 02, 2010 8:37 am Post subject:

JSMotors · Joined: 30 Jun 2006 Posts: 22 Location: Howell, Mi

So got the new cap and rotor on and still no good. I'm having a hard time finding the condenser and points though. I've run a few searches on google but I'm only finding these electronic conversion kits. Are these any good or just expensive junk?

http://www.hot-spark.com/1-porsche.htm[url]

StienbargerR · Joined: 28 Oct 2005 Posts: 1362 Location: Richmond, IN

I have a 78 distributor that worked when I took it off the car. Might be easier just to replace yours. I dont really need my dizzy anymore. PM if you are interested in it.

Ryan
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1978 924 NA
-250lb lowering springs, Euro Pistons

!tom · Posted: Wed May 05, 2010 7:07 am Post subject:

Since when did a North American '78 have points? I was under the impression the '78 had electronic ignition in the entire North American market.

I'd certainly have difficulties changing the condensor on my '78, as it doesn't have one. Nor does it have points for that matter, so it'd be hard to adjust those too.
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78 924 NA
5-lug

JSMotors · Joined: 30 Jun 2006 Posts: 22 Location: Howell, Mi

well i'm totally lost now...

reilly525i · Posted: Tue May 11, 2010 3:07 am Post subject:

take up stienbarger on his offer. . these distributors can be very tempermental and if you have the oppertunity to replace with a tested unit, jump on it. I did with mine after toiling for centuries and my car now runs like a white hot ball of canine terror.
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"There are no kings inside the gates of Eden"

80 n/a 924.
76 alfa romeo spider
e34 525i.
xj6 vanden plas
vintage Sunbeam 6 speed bicycle