engine and drivetrain Help...what did I do

[timco98]

Been lurking here for a while and am blown away with the amount of knowledge here. So I know someone can help. First a little history. Bought my first 02 in 1978 a 74 Fjord Blue Sunroof...still have it...still runs. in need of resto...major rust.. added a few mods over the years weber carb, tii distributor, tii exhaust manifold, wheels, nothing major. A few years ago I purchased a 74 tii cali car, great shape body wise but needed a little tweaking. Engine had a missfire at around 4500 rpm and though it might need new plug wires, so before going out to buy new I thought i'd trade em with the 02. Worked fine for about ten minutes then not so much. My problem now is when I put the wires and cap back on the 02 it won't stay running. Turns and starts but dies when I release the switch. I know someone here can help diagnose in about five seconds...so what do ya think?

BTW the tii problem was in the vacuum. Thanks in advance for your help

[rtheriaque]

I suppose I'll start with the obvious... Are you sure the wires are on in the correct order?

Now, I'm not being an asshole, but the key phrase is "In God we trust, everybody else brings evidence." What did you do to make sure the wires that you installed found the same position as those that came off?

[tim385]

You didnt accidently rotate the dizzy when you removed the cap and wires?Assuming maybe the clamp may have been loose?Rotor carbon brush making good contact to rotor top ?

[timco98]

I did number the plug wires with a sharpie to be sure they went back the same

[timco98]

i'll try to fiddle again with the dizzy to be sure its lined up correctly

[NullZwei]

Does the Weber carb have an idle solenoid? If so, the lead could have become disconnected or the solenoid itself has quit working. The solenoid is normally closed thus blocking the idle jet thereby preventing run on. It only opens when power is applied. Has absolutely nothing to do with replacing plug wires but it may be worth a check.

[Guest Anonymous]

Look for a loose wire to the ballast resistor or the relay that feeds the ballast.

. . . assuming your car has these parts.