problem solvers required

[Rabbitoh]

After installing new points, plugs, condenser, dizzy cap &  h. t. leads I had my wagon's motor running sweetly. Then I hooked up a timing light to check the ignition timing. Well now the motor will only crank over one or two (very slow) revs and generally impersonate a car with a very flat battery. I have 12.5 volts at the bat. terminals and a fat spark flies from the end of the coil/dizzy cap ht lead when held near motor? Suspected starter motor/solenoid, but replaced both with the units from my dismantled sedan (working when removed from car) with the same results. I need help

[HARKO]

Engine to chassis earth lead  
Or starter to earth maybe.
Process of elimination .

[Shayne]

I'm with Harko, try the earth straps first.  What about leads onto starter solenoid?

Good luck.

[fccool59]

I am with harko too, I just had the same problem with my wifes car, I was going to pull the starter out but after the car sat out the front for a week while my wife drove my ford I was sitting on the toilet and came up with a idea to check the earth strap and sure enough it started.

[SRVLIVES]

Can I be with Harko too!

Although, I can't imagine there's anything left to drink....

[Russ]

when the spark is to far advanced it has that problem seen it heaps

[Rabbitoh]

Engine to chassis earth lead  
Or starter to earth maybe.
Process of elimination .

Harko, thanks for that. Checked the battery to engine earth strap, is this the one you meant? Is the Starter to engine earth the metal strip connected to the terminal nearest the engine?
Will also check the spark advance, Russ, and the solenoid leads Shayne. Will also check ignition/starter switch terminals & leads, (I'm getting a bit desperate).
Chris

[Rabbitoh]

Well even though my volt meter said I had over 12 volts at the battery, I should have been testing it while it was under cranking load, shouldn't I! (Yep, you guessed it, dud battery).
Thanks for all you suggestions anyway. A life lesson for young players I suppose:-[

[Rabbitoh]

Well even though my volt meter said I had over 12 volts at the battery, I should have been testing it while it was under cranking load, shouldn't I! (Yep, you guessed it, dud battery).
Thanks for all you suggestions anyway. A life lesson for young players I suppose:-[

Oh, forgot to mention, this was discovered after I had re-built my suspected, but quite innocent starter motor, Oh dear....