Thanks all, and especially to Jeff for such a pointed reply.
Before I saw the reply, I cranked the engine with the cold start solenoid disconnected and HT lead disconnected at the distributor end and supported 1/4" from the engine. I could hear it arcing as it cranked. The cold start solenoid definitely works (feeds gas) - dont ask me how I know and if it is anything to do with the hose that got in my way and was disconnected
The oil pressure only went up to about 40 PSI -
does that sound OK?
If I understand correctly what Jeff wrote (I have not rigged up a bypass switch at the moment), I think I just need to reconnect the cold start solenoid (I think you are calling this the bypass valve - I assuming it is the same thing?), put the spark plugs back, and go for it ???? I think I could also just leave the cold start solenoid wire disconnected and just keep cranking until it starts and runs solely on the injectors???
I would go and do that now if I could find my feeler gauges and could re-gap the plug that got boinked and check the others.... expecting new gauges 2moro.
As a slight aside, this engine always smokes ridiculous amounts for a seemingly infinite amount of time whenever I start this engine in my garage and this seems to choke it and eventually kill the engine. Unfortunately, this time around it is reversed into my garage and I cannot take it out at the moment and turn it around to face the outside..... the neighbours will no doubt be really concerned when they see the smoke coming out of my garage
Perhaps a couple of fans to blow the smoke out...
