I've been experiencing a hard start/no start problem for some time now.

I've tried an allison/crane xr700 and found performance suspicious and I really don't trust them. I've had hard starting with two different brains and wanted to try something else.

I picked up a very inexpensive Hot-Spark (new and unused) for $25.00 including shipping. The seller did not have a proper dizzy for it (but I do).

I've set my static timing with the "Kwas Method" I've done it several times now and I can't get the car to fire up.

This reminds me of the trouble I had back in December/January when I was not setting the timing to the compression stroke. I can assure you that I'm not making that mistake - but if I were, shouldn't reversing the firing order on the wires tell me for sure?

Is there anything odd about these hotspark units? People always say that they have to invert the crane's optical sensor to get it to work, the hotspark does not allow this, but I could remove and reverse the breaker plate if that would make a difference...

Anyway, I've set the static timing and confirmed a *strong* visible spark at the #1 plug with #1 at TDC and the timing marks at 15 BTDC, it should work, right? The only reason it might not is if I was not setting #1 TDC to the compression stroke. Is there any other reason?

Any insight into the HS unit might help.

Thanks as always.


Follow-up question:
For those of you with a Hotspark or a Pertronix, what quadrant of the dizzy is the sensor sitting? Assuming that you are leaning over the DS fender looking down at the dizzy?


I have read and followed http://www.hot-spark.com/Installing-Hot-Spark-II.htm