and yes, there is a single, small wire running from the ignition coil to the distributor. ---------- Post added at 06:14 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:08 PM ---------- Erik, unless it is counter intuitive, the old, longer plugs (the one on the left) would seem to me to go deeper. there longer, both above an below the bolt part. Gary ---------- Post added at 06:15 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:14 PM ---------- now I see. thank you!! Gary ---------- Post added at 06:20 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:15 PM ---------- on our way to get new plugs. will be back!! thank you, Erik!
Gary, remove all spark plugs (number the cables, make a little drawing) and try to crank the engine over with the starter. That's not a difficult job to do in the dark with the help of a torch (I believe you say flashlight) p Edit: I forgot that there is a photo of the engine on the first page ou: That's not a 1974-and-up V8 Riviera HEI-type ignition:
I am measuring the new and old plugs, and can't determine how the new ones would go deeper than the old. they're each less than 2 cm from the beginning of the thread to the end of the plug, with the new plugs being about 1 mm shorter. and they're both less than 3 cm from the bottom of the bolt to the tip, with the new plugs appearing between 2 and 3 mm shorter. will try removing all of the plugs. stay tuned (pun intended)
Measure from the bottom of the plug to the red stripes on the plugs, that's how far you can screw them into the head. The trouble started when you changed the plugs. So take them out and see if you can crank the engine again. If not, it's the starter, the battery or something bad. Edit: You've added new photos, but the e-mail notifications are now coming in 19 minutes later o No: It looks like a 1 mm difference. So the new ones are not longer, so that's not the problem here. Where there shims between the old starter and the engine? See if the starter can cranck the engine without the plugs. If not, try it by hand. If that doesn't work, remove the starter and try again by hand.
Hi Erik. Thank you for not forgetting about me! no news equals "Polar Vortex" (over a foot of snow and temperatures @ 15 below zero). I met a nice guy who loves older cars, and he was helping my son and me go through your trouble shooting tips. The car turns over again, but is not getting spark to the plugs. He doesn't think it's getting any fire to the ignition coil, either. The wiring is a nightmare. I'm looking at aftermarket wiring harnesses now, and will likely have to redo all of it. Any suggestions? gary
Gary, so the new plugs were too long after all ? You can use an old coil, how many Volts are there at the terminal of the coil when you crank the engine? Maybe you should try to get a HEI ignition for the Riviera somewhere, more trouble free compared with the old style points ignition you have in the car now. Remember that the original set up with the coil has a resistance wire, the HEI needs the full 12 (13.8) Volts :TU: Maybe board member "painekiller" (Doug) has a 455 HEI for sale for you: Click here :Comp:
the plugs were fine; at least I think they will be. I'm embarrassed to say the problem I was having was a loose positive terminal wire on the battery. I don't think we were getting any fire to the ignition coil, certainly none out of it. the previous owner rigged a lot of the wires, and all of them have damaged housings/casings. I don't know if I mentioned it before, but the hazard lights blink unrelentingly. I cant get them to turn off, so I took out the fuse until I can find what I expect is a short. I want to do the wiring correctly and ensure it is safe for my son. I think I found a used wiring harness for sale, but don't know yet. this is a labor of love. gary
Gary, let us know what's happening there in the snow... :bglasses: Also: Check this thread if you want to buy the R-emblem for the front or the rear of the car :Comp:
Welcome aboard. In the end it doesn't matter how the car comes out. You and you son are building something special.
