Completely Stumped.

[Redassassin]

Previous Thread -- http://www.avenger.co.nz/forum/index.php?topic=952.0

Took my Avenger to a garage to get a tuning issue sorted. Car drove in fine, came out running like a bag of shit. They temporarily seem to have fixed the issue by putting hotter spark plugs in but that didn't last long. Avenger has been parked up for 2 months now because of this issue and I have been working on it every week. Here's what we've done to try and fix the issue:

• Head off, brand new head gasket etc. making sure the timing chain was aligned, removing and inspecting all the valves etc.
• Replaced the Dellorto with stock Strombergs (made no difference) double checked to make sure no manifold leaks.
• Brand new ignition leads, spark plugs etc.
• Bypassed the entire electronic ignition using a Lucas 25D Distributor using standard 12v sports coil
• Replaced the starter motor (old one died)
• Checked, rechecked and checked again the tappets

The car is missing and backfiring through the carbs terribly, its a struggle to keep the car running. The miss seems to jump between Number 2 and 3 Cylinder, the plugs are black from being so rich (so doesn't appear to be a fuel delivery problem) the spark plugs are getting spark, I'm absolutely stumped, at this point i have no idea what's left to check.

The only thing we're unsure of is the timing mark on the cam sprocket as the previous owner has made their own marking and dowel hole so there's 2 on the sprocket, we're pretty sure we've got it right but if somebody could please post a clear photo of the face of the double row cam sprocket that would be a huge help.

[RoadCone]

make sure piston #1 is at the top when dissy is firing .That should get you pretty close to timing check vacuum pipes

[Redassassin]

Piston is definitely at TDC when dizzy is at #1

[Redassassin]

Replaced the fuel filter with fuel hose and now I cant even get the car to start, when taking the fuel line off the carbs though and putting it into a bucket there is definitely plenty of fuel coming through...

[TheMechanicnz]

I'll have photos for you at some point in the next couple of days as I'll be taking my engine out. Have you got the big workshop manual/folder not the Haynes? It gos a bit further in depth.

[Redassassin]

Just the Haynes workshop manual, that would be a huge help!

[TheMechanicnz]

Here's the scan from the workshop manual, pulled the engine today so maybe tommorow I'll have the cover off.
http://imgur.com/0P0BtSc
http://imgur.com/b40eg2d

[TheMechanicnz]

Here ya go, this is off my 1500 alpine. http://imgur.com/a/vmPw5
Keyway in crank is vertical aswell as a spoke on the cam sprocket. Dowel should also be inline with the 2 timing marks.

If that's not your problem the other thing I can think of is its running the wrong sprocket on the cam as the 1250 used a different sprocket with 2 dowel holes.

[JoKer]

HEY!! what thermostat housing is that? It's freaky looking / straight up? looking at buying new & the price I saw on a screen made my eyes water

Here ya go, this is off my 1500 alpine.

[TheMechanicnz]

I honestly have no idea what that housing is off, its fully machined. I just found it in my avenger parts along with a hose, both of which worked perfectly for my alloy radiator conversion, as the new radiator sits slightly higher the hose has to come up about 1 1/2"  before it bends around to the radiator.

[oldschool]

That's a Hunter thermostat housing.

[TheMechanicnz]

Aaah, thanks. I had wondered if might have been a hunter one.