the car has been sitting for a while after doing some rust repairs and with a new battery today i thought i would kick her over. well it started no worries but its only going on 2 cylinders. apart from it sounding crap there is minimal heat out of the extractors on numbers 2 and 4. i believe this problem had been occuring previously and i couldnt solve it before so enoughs enough... i need answers!!
where what and how???????
weber, dizzy and valve clearances are my first thoughts.
cheers

Check the points. or excessive wear inside the dizzy cap.

its got a new dizzy cap and the points aren't to old either but will check them tomorrow. what about the dizzy cam could that cause this problem if worn?

The new dizzy cap could be the problem.
The only problem around the bottom cam wheel is rounding the hex drive for the distributor.
If the manual fuel pump works i wouldn't go pulling it all apart yet.

Check each plug lead for spark first.

Wont have anything to do with points!

First things first ... is there spark at the lead on the cylinders you say arent firing?

If yes, then do a compression test!

Neither will cost you a cent in diagnosis by replacement.

G

the leads seem to be producing spark however the plugs were not! swaped numbers 2 and 4 with spare plugs and she kicked over pretty good. It has been occuring alot like i said and it seems that it might be the plugs. Its about the third set ive tried i think...
iam using ngk ap6fs and believe i need a change as they have only caused me problems!! any recomendations for plugs? and why would they stop sparking?
will check compression aswell.

It wont be the plugs causing the problem, they are only a symptom.

Compression test!!

They will be fouling for another reason, too rich, burning oil, poor spark.

too rich i assume can be fixed by adjusting the weber and poor spark, well it seems to be getting a decent spark. So now burning oil has got me worried!! what causes this..worn rings? and how do i test? also what am i looking for with compression test?
cheers

Sounds like you should take it to a mechanic

thanks!!
did compression test and although the readings were low they are all pretty even sitting about 1000 kpa in each. is there a way to tell if the engine is suppose to be a low or high compression?? engine number?
its had a reconditiond head but still looks like it may be burning oil. there is some white smoke and the plugs are always either sooty or oily.
will do some more testing tomorrow..