ep82 gt starlet engine swap issues (ignition timing?)

[chris davey]

So I have been swapping an engine into my EP82 GT starlet because other one took in water in the floods.

Issues I am having is that it isn't starting when all 4 cylinders are connected and the timing seems to be the issue.

Compression test
1 140 wet 175
2 65 wet 90
3 45 wet 130
4 145 wet 190

Now 2 & 3 don't look good but I would have though still enough compression to run.

All spark plugs have fuel smell on them after cranking and can visually see fuel vapours coming out of the cylinders when the plugs are out.

All leads and plugs have been tested and there appears to be good spark in all of them.

So this basically leads me to believe that it is an issue with ignition timing. The distributor cap was swapped from old engine to new one as the plugs were different (so I can use the original igniter)

We have had a timing light on cyl 1 and although very difficult to see it appears that it is firing at about 30deg after TDC (with E1 & TE1 bridged) at the closest point of adjustment on the dizzy cap. With it fully adjusted the other way it goes further around to about 60deg after TDC.

We thought maybe it was out 180deg so pulled the dizzy out and attempted to turn 180 and put back in but it appears that it is slightly different so this cannot be done.

So does anyone have any suggestions as to where we can look next to get this thing running?

Thanks

Chris

[2jzhilux]

Ignition timing is not related to compression readings so you can rule out all the ignition stuff.
I would make sure the dots on the cams line up correctly.
Maybe the intake/exhaust cam dots arent lined up
Also spin it round to tdc and check the cam timing
Sounds like cam timing could be out or id hate to say it maybe another dud motor

[StuC]

Rip the timing cover off and check it out. Theres 2 timing marks on the exhaust cam, use the one marked 4e. May also be worth you while pulling the rocker cover off and checking the exhaust cam has been put in at the correct mark too. Being an fe head the exhaust cam is run off a gear further down the cam.

[StuC]

If you want to PM me your email address i'll send through the engine rebuild manual in PDF for you.