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[JamesV6CDX]

Ok, did a bit more tinkering tonight.

I decided to put a brand new set of plugs into the 2.0 to encourage it to start. Unfortunately I didn't get a result quite that good, but I did learn something in the process.

I installed the new plugs, checked the security and positioning of all the HT leads, and then cranked the engine. It tried extremely hard to fire, and once I thought it would roar into life, but it didn't. So rather than excessively crank it, I took the plugs back out and examined them.

Number 1 plug - clean, and Wet, smelling of fuel.
Number 2 plug - totally black, dirty, and dry.
Number 3 plug - totally black, dirty, and dry.
Number 4 plug - clean, and Wet, smelling of fuel.

Soooo... I'm guessing this is telling me that it's only firing on plugs number 2 and 3 - and NOT 1 and 4. Which would be a very good reason it wouldn't start.

Anyone confirm?

I'm thinking this is pointing at the DIS as a likely culprit, what does anyone else think?

I soooo want this car running

[EddieX]

I don't know that engine but if it uses the 2 coil/dead spark system then one coil is not working.

[TheBoy]

It does use redundant spark, not sure if 1 and 4 fire together, someone will be able to confirm if firing order is 1/3/4/2 or 1/2/4/3, if so, duff DIS...

[JamesV6CDX]

I'm almost sure Mark said the firing order is 1-3-4-2

would that indicate a shagged DIS?

I know where I'll be going next week if so

[Auto Addict]

Firing order is 1-3-4-2.

It would appear as if 1 and 4 are not firing.

[JamesV6CDX]

It would appear as if 1 and 4 are not firing.

Thanks for confirming that mate, that's what I thought. Like I say - is this likely to be the DIS, or could there be another cause? I've replaced leads....

[Auto Addict]

If your brave, i.e. wear a pair of rubber gloves, remove the spark plugs, connect them to the HT leads and earth the body of the plugs to the engine, then crank the engine.

You should be able to see the spark, or not, as the case may be.

Seems to point to the DIS though.

[Markjay]

If your brave, i.e. wear a pair of rubber gloves, remove the spark plugs, connect them to the HT leads and earth the body of the plugs to the engine, then crank the engine.

You should be able to see the spark, or not, as the case may be.

Seems to point to the DIS though.

AA, I used to do this with cars that had conventional ignition systems (i.e. coil, contacts, distributor...) but my understanding is that this is not recommended anymore (with or without rubber gloves...) due to the high voltage of modern ignition systems, instead there are things you attach externally to the HT lead which tell you if it is firing or not... but someone else may know better.

[JamesV6CDX]

hehehe, I know the joys of this, I tried this method on the omega, and I got SUCH a belt!! Even with rubber gloves on..

I jumped back a couple of feet from the car, and the spark was still coming for me.

Very much not recommended.......

[EddieX]

If your brave, i.e. wear a pair of rubber gloves, remove the spark plugs, connect them to the HT leads and earth the body of the plugs to the engine, then crank the engine.

You should be able to see the spark, or not, as the case may be.

Seems to point to the DIS though.

AA, I used to do this with cars that had conventional ignition systems (i.e. coil, contacts, distributor...) but my understanding is that this is not recommended anymore (with or without rubber gloves...) due to the high voltage of modern ignition systems, instead there are things you attach externally to the HT lead which tell you if it is firing or not... but someone else may know better.

In the Haynes manual for the Merc. it says don't do this. Think thats because if the earthing isn't good, all the HT energy can't go to earth and has to go somewhere, that somewhere can be the output stage of the ECU - then you have to go and buy a new one.

[Auto Addict]

Sorry, yes, I agree, don't know what I was thinking about, it was late when I posted, and I was very tired.

Please don't do what I suggested.

[JamesV6CDX]

No worries matey! I've suggested worse things than that when I've been tired

I've had the idea of using an old timing light - I wouldn't be able to adjust the timing, but I could use it just to see the flashes, and that would tell me if leads are sparking.

I'm sure the DIS is dead though, I'm on the lookout for one.

[Markie]

yup try another dispack, root fault diagnosis : if its not the leads its got to be the dispack - you would hope... :-/

[EddieX]

I've had the idea of using an old timing light - I wouldn't be able to adjust the timing, but I could use it just to see the flashes, and that would tell me if leads are sparking.

Hey! thats a great idea!
I was about to throw out my old timing light as it hasn't been used for 20 years.
Think I'll keep it now just for that purpose  

[JamesV6CDX]