Distributor/ spark plug issues

Hi everybody,

just replaced the spark plugs in my 4cyl petrol series III, and now it won't start.
I'm going to check that all the cables are sparking ok but it was starting relatively well a week or so ago so I doubt that's it.

One thing I want to know is whether it's normal for the distributor rotor arm to start in a different position every time, because mine now seems to be, and I would've thought this would make getting the correct firing order pretty difficult. Could this be something to do with it?

Any other ideas? I'm hoping there's something really simple that I've forgotten to do.
Cheers.

normal ,you supposed to check valve position in conjunction with mark on front pulley so you know your at tdc no1 on compression stroke which could easy be exhaust stroke, leads are 1342

Thanks mate, that sounds like useful info. Any chance you could give me a little more detail on how to check this?

You've replaced the plugs, taken off the dizzy cap, anything else? The only things I can think of are plug leads in the wrong order (I did this once and ever since I've replaced the plugs one at a time), HT leads broken or not on properly (the waterproof caps can make the leads appear to be connected when they're not) or the dizzy cap isn't on properly - it should positively fit into position before the clips go on. The firing order is 1342, cylinders numbered front to back and the dizzy rotates anticlockwise. Number 1 is usually connected to the dizzy output that points roughly towards the rad cap. It's easy enough to see if there's any spark at all. Pull off no.1 plug lead, stick an old spark plug in it, rest it on the block and turn the engine over. You're looking for a fat spark and a good, loud sounding crackle.

the easiest way if your not used to it is to remove rocker cover and watch valves as you turn engine over on front pulley clockwise as looking from front at engine you will see valves opening closing nearest to you is no1 exhaust then inlet obviously as you turn watching mark and valves inlet will open then close as you come mark slowly both valves will be closed this is tdc on compression stroke when spark needs to occur ,if you go past it exhaust will open then start to shut but before shutting inlet will open this is exhaust stroke and valve position is said to be on the rock or valve over lap ,when 1 is on tdc compression no 4 valves are on exhaust stroke ,now your sure that you are on tdc ready to set dizzy and that leads will be in right place with rotor arm facing no1 lead in cap which is the one nearest no2 cylinder and goes round anti clockwise 1342

Thanks guys.
I'll go out and have a good look when it stops raining (if it ever does).
I'll let you know how I get on.
Cheers.

Thanks for the help boys, got it running again a lot more easily than I thought I would.

I ended up just cranking it with the handle until the rotor arm was back on no1, reattaching the leads, and bob's your uncle.

No exhaust pipe on at the moment so I haven't let it run properly yet but it didn't seem too bad. Fingers crossed