XFLOW 1600

[Gordy124]

Looking for some advice please.
I have a Formula 27 which has been sitting in a garage for a few years. So decided to get it going for the Summer months coming.
Put a new electronic distributor / ignition in it and here's the problem.
I am getting a good spark on all cylinders.
Pretty sure the firing order is 1-3-4-2.
Getting the odd backfire but not starting.
Some photos of the rotor arm before and after inserting and of the cap the way it sits on the distributor.
I have also lettered the ports.
The rotor turns anti clockwise the way you look at it.
Can anyone tell me where number 1 is?
I know the center one (B) is for the coil.

[Gordy124]

[Gordy124]

[Equus]

• Remove the rocker cover.
• Turn the engine over by hand to TDC, no.1 firing (ie. both valves closed)
• Loosely fit distributor
• The plug lead that the rotor arm is point at is no. 1. The remaining leads can be connected in firing order.
• Adjust the distributor to approximately the correct advance, to get the engine running.
• Once you've roughly adjusted the distributor to get the engine running, you'll need to adjust accurately using a timing strobe.

[CanAm]

Isn't the firing order 1.2.4.3 on the Kent engine?

[Justin S]

CanAm said:

Isn't the firing order 1.2.4.3 on the Kent engine?

Sure its 1-3-4-2 . Take the rocker cover off, see when no 1's valves are closed and you get compression. Remember when you put the distributor back in, it will roll around on the gear as you locate onto the camshaft. The cap you have is usually a tweaked Sherpa cap, as its a lucas cap they do fit. It depends on how that locates to the distributor with the cap pointing forward to clear, I guess side draught carbs ? and being able to latch with the 2 clips

[Gordy124]

Hi CanAm,
That's excatly what I thought but after many hours searching the net I have found that may not be the case.
So, I have removed the rocker cover and turned the engine by hand. It fires 1 3 4 2.

[Gordy124]

Hi Justin,
Yes twin 40 Delortto carbs side mounted. Spring clamps in the photo up and down.
I have tried the advance / retard and still no start. Getting good sparks but I think it's got to be firing order timing?

[Justin S]

If you are getting a decent spark are you sure you have fuel ? Is it old fuel ? If so, put some new in there. Check plugs arent wet and dry/ replace .

[Gordy124]

I am beginning to think that may be part of the problem.
There was fuel laying in it for some time but I topped it up last week with fresh stuff.
I would imagine it would still fire up though and not backfire. Will drain and put new fuel in.

[gtmdriver]

Crossflows are 1,2,4,3.



Most other straight fours are 1,3,4,2.

Edited by gtmdriver on Tuesday 20th March 10:09

[CanAm]

gtmdriver said:

Crossflows are 1,2,4,3.


Most other straight fours are 1,3,4,2.

That's what I said. I've had two, and they were 1.2.4.3. But the OP said he's checked and his is 1.3.4.2

[Mr2Mike]

CanAm said:

That's what I said. I've had two, and they were 1.2.4.3. But the OP said he's checked and his is 1.3.4.2

Then it's not a Kent engine.

[GinG15]

X/flow dizzy Spins Anticlockwise, Hence firing Order 1 2 4

I guess the faults are incorrectly plugged in Leads or incorrect ignition timing

Best wood b to post a picture of your engine bay

Formula twentyseven quite unusual to have a crossflow Engine fitted nothing is impossible

[Gordy124]

It says in the Haynes book it is 1243 too.
I've tried both ways and it does'nt start.
I have taken the delortto's off and sent them for inspection and o/haul.
They may be chocked up after a few years. Was going to get them done anyway.
There is a high lift cam on this engine and I am sure it fired 1342 previously.
As I said previously, when you turn the engine by hand, it is 1 then 3 by the looks of it.
Anyway, once the carbs get back I will try it both ways and post the result.

[Steve_D]

It may be the cam has been custom ground with the different firing order. Can't think why but then why is the Kent engine different to most other 4 pots.

Steve

[Mr2Mike]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

Start from cylinder 1 and turn anti-clockwise... It clearly shows 1,2,4,3 which is correct for a crossflow.

I suppose it's possible that the aftermarket cam in the OP's engine is designed to change the firing order, but none of the usual performance cams do this.

[gtmdriver]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

No it doesn't!

[RochdaleGT]

Gordy seems to have disappeared....

by the way: the dizzy looks like a fiesta one....

formula27-sevenish cars are more known for having pinto´s fitted than x/flows......

Gordy : we need an enginebay pic.

[Gordy124]

No I have'nt.
Just been advised today that one of the Delortto's has serious damage.
Apparently one of the floats has dislodged and no fuel is getting in. (amoungst other things!)
The company that have the carbs are trying to source parts but they did suggest getting another carb may be the way to go.
Waiting to hear back from them.
That would be why it won't start !