Not getting any fuel into the cylinders

[LiamO]

I’m tearing my hair out so hopefully someone can point me in the right direction. I replaced the head gasket on my Series IIa which has the Holden Red 179 engine but unfortunately, I cannot get her running again.

I’ve got good compression in each cylinder, spark to the plugs and ignition timing is where it should be but fuel just congregates in the inlet manifold.

The spark plugs remain dry which sounds like a valve timing issue, but I have adjusted the hydraulic vales numerous times. The hydraulic lifters operate normally but fuel is not drawn into the cylinders. It’s got a new inlet/exhaust gasket, the carb is practically new and there’s nothing obstructing the fuel in the inlet manifold.

After several turns of the engine a pool of petrol can be seen at the bottom of the crab in the manifold.

I’m stomped!

Any suggestions?

[1950landy]

First thing I thought of was hydraulic lifters, have you cranked it over with the rocker cover off to see if the valves are actually opening & closing. There is a procedure to go through to set the rockers so you can started & once started & lifters have filled you can adjust them with the engine running.

[LiamO]

Thanks for that. The rockers do move up and down but I agree I suspect the rockers are seizing up as it must be a value timing issue.

Thanks again