No Spark...no start.

[nestorb98]

I just purchased a 1966 912. The engine appears to be a 68. It was sitting for six years and I was assured it ran well prior to its vacation.

I have begun the re-starting procedure...Marvel mystery oil in the cyls,,,cranked engine without plugs to make sure its not seized...replaced spark plugs with brand new NGKs...set points to 0.016...plugs to 0.025... starter cranks beautifully ang gas is reaching the carbs...(I did also remove the fuel tank, boiled it and got rid of all the gunk, nrust etc...also blew out the fuel lines and replaced all the rubber hoses)...BUT!...so far no start.

I removed the rear starboard sparklug and held it to the engine bolt whilst touching the threaded part to the bolt and no spark. Replaced the ignition coil with another identical one...still no spark.

The resistances in all the wires are within specs...resistance readings in coils are also within specs.

I know I'm close...any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

nestorb98 in Arizona.

[JT912]

Did you replace the condensor? I've had that simple, inexpensive part go bad and cause no spark.
Probably should adjust the valves while you are at it.

[WFBowen]

Are you absolutely certain that you're getting 12v to the coil? If so, double check your static timing. Can you smell raw gas at the exhaust pipe after cranking a short time?
Bill.

[Jerry1]

I am by no means an expert but here's my 2 cents. If the car ran when parked the electronic should be OK. I would concentrate on the fuel side from the pump to the jets in the carburetor. How do you know you are getting fuel to the carburetor are the spark plugs fouled after trying to start? If not I would rebuild the fuel pump and carburetors. The fuel really eats up the rubber on the accelerator and fuel pump. The other problem with starting any car after it has sat for a long time is gunk in the jets even if you get it started you run the chance of leaning a cylinder and possibly ruining the engine. Just my 2 cents.

[C. Clark]

I imagine you've done this but, do you have spark to the points? Turn on the key and snap the contact points with a screw driver, if you see a spark that should be indicative of fire getting to the plugs, change the rotor (they have been known to fail) If not check the condenser, points, wiring at and to the coil. Have you primed the carburetors? A few drops of gas in each should make it pop if you're getting spark. 6 years is along time to sleep, the carbs grow mung, I always have taken the carbs off and at the very least disassembled and boiled them out using a do it yourself carburetor cleaning solution bought at any auto parts store. A basic carburetor kit is a good idea too, and a easy place to start....It's always a process.
Good luck,

[lep]

Did you ever get this running ok? Here's a checklist of things that you should get straight in order to ensure reliable running.

1). Use Bosch original plugs and ensure they are gapped correctly.

2). Ensure your Bosch coil is working properly.

3). Always replace the rotor cap of the distributor during tune ups.

4). Spark plug wires need to be in good condition.

5). Ensure clean carbs -- especially the floats. A carb rebuild kit and submerging the carbs in a cleaning fluid will help.

6). Valve lash clearance should also be adjusted about every 1000-2000 miles.

Having spark, gas, and air is actually not sufficient enough for a 912 engine to run. For an older stored car, I would imagine the floats in the carbs may not even be moving on their hinges -- and if so there's no way to sustain engine run-time after start.

Also, the spark plug gap and clean plugs is a huge deal with a 912. The points are also very important as is the coil. I use a Pertronix magnet-triggerred point system since capacitors break down too fast for my taste.

For an older stored car like yours, you will also benefit immensely by replacing the spark plug wires.

After evaluating a lot of options for ignition timing, with a 912 it works out that the engine will actually run better with Bosch plugs and a Bosch coil. Too ramp up performance (maybe 10 HP), an MSD ignition system can also be used. Overall, for a non-racing touring/pleasure 912 I think that if you break away from Bosch, maybe only go so far as using Pertronix breakerless points and an MSD.