Trying to restart my 85 380SE after replacing timing chain. Checked timing on cams/crank and also distributor to crank. I smell unburned fuel as I crank, but have not confirmed fuel pressure.

Here's where I pulled a dummy move. Before tear down, I pulled my plugs and did a compression test. It dawned on me after frustratingly trying to start this thing that I'm not supposed to have a live ignition not connected to the plugs as I run the starter for the test.

My test thus far has been to pull a single plug, connect it to it's ignition wire and then ground the plug against the block. I saw no spark at all. Can anyone point me in the direction I need to be headed? Have I certainly blown the ignition or just the coil? I've got a Fluke 76 that I can check my electronics with, but would like to know before I start if it's even worth checking and what to check for.

Thanks in advance!!

Hi

I used a simple mulitmeter to test:
1) Coil - primary and secondary for continuity
2) Hall effect coil at dist for continuity
3) I cannot test the ignition module but by process of elimination I changed this item as 1 and 2 were OK. Started right up.

I think that's all there is to the ignition system, but I sure someone can add on to this. But your problem is complicated by the fact that you replaced your chain.

Oreo

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1992 124 E200 (Euro)

Did you forget to put the rotor back in?

The rotor is in and registers with the mark on the housing and the housing is in the exact spot that I removed it in.

While replacing the chain, I was very careful and very meticulous with making sure everything was together correctly. The timing marks all hit pretty much on the mark. I could have put in maybe a 2 degree woodruff key on the passenger side bank, but decided to let it go as it is WAY better than it was with the old chain's stretch and within spec.

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I figured as much and only mentioned it b/c I have actually seen it happen ..

You may want to check OVP fuse ..and check any connectors you may have unplugged.

I remember when I replaced the head on a 280, I could not get that thing to start forever, no spark. I walked away for a few minutes and then came back, went over everything again and silly me, I didn't plug back in the coil. Sometimes it is that simple.. ha ha.. But with all the other things you have to remember to do it is easy to miss something.
Brian

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Brian W. Heitman

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