Timing problems

[Linda]

I about 95 percent finish with my 3a.But when I tried to start it,no go, it wants to start, but sputters and hits on a couple cylinders and dies.installed new fuel pump, rebuilt carb,good compression ,fire to the plugs,timing mark on crank on when on top dead center.new plugs,polnts,condenser. With everything lined up , My rotor is pointing at 6o'clock is that correct ?
Thanks AL

[scoutpilot]

Double check the plug wires for a 1 - 3 - 4 - 2 firing order, set up counter-clockwise on the cap. If the six o'clock position of the rotor is the #1 plug, that is where you start the firing order.

[Linda]

The wires are in the right firing order and they go to the correct plug. I pulled #1 plug to make sure the piston and timing mark in the right position and that the rotor was hitting on 1 on the cap.still won't run smoothly.it will run smooth at high rpm,s for a couple a second and then spit , sputter and die??? I thought it might be getting to much gas, so I bought a gas regulator.tried all 5setting and no change. Since it runs smooth  for a few seconds makes me think the timing is alright? AL

[specialty]

Are you running a 6 or 12 volt system? If 12 volt� do you have the correct coil? Since you say it runs for a few seconds it sounds like coil or condenser are heating up real fast and shutting down.� I used a 3 wire GM alternator on my attempt at this with a coil that used an external resistor.� The result was the same problem your having . It would sputter and shut off. Since my alternator was off a 70 GM car I went to parts store and got an internal resistor coil matched to the alternator and it fired right up.
Also did you check your distributor for anyplay in the shaft? Remove rotor and grab shaft and see if it moves any. If I recall the tolerance is about .005 of free play. I had that problem also. Although it might run it will not run well or not start at all. You can set the points and think your good to go but if the bushings are worn� it's impossible to set the points accurately. These are common bushings and you can get them from some hardware stores.  I would check this first if you have not done this.

[Linda]

Hi guys, just a update.I had three of my friends look at my cj3a and no one had a answere, they said everything looked right and it should run.I was so fed up ,I took it to a auto shop,they had it for four days and called me to say they couldn't  figure it out.I took it back home and called a retired auto shop teacher to come and look at it.Same story,should run.After he left , I thought, it run before !so l put back on the old points,old roto, old cap and wires and guess what,it runs like a champ!!!  GO FIGURE! Smiling AL

[specialty]

Old condenser also? I would start switching them back one by one and see what the culprit was. Most likely condenser.

[Linda]

Condenser was the only old part I didn't keep.the new one works fine.seats and a muffler and I'll be on the road!!! It only took 2 1/2 years.   Al     [ch128514]