firing on two cylinders

[kenny]

Could someone help with this problem.I´ve changed the distributer cap,points,
spark plugs, rotor and condenser. Set the ponts to 0.016 and still I only get 1 and 2 fireing. Plugs 3 and 4 are cold to the touch. the wire set seems to be ok. Any ideas what can be wrong?

[Don Moyer]

Kenny,

I can suggest two quick things:

1) Remove the plugs and check compression. A thumb check will do. You're
only concerned that the compression is sufficient to force past your thumb
almost no matter hard you press.

2) I'd exchange at least one of the plug leads from 3 and 4 to make sure
that the leads to 3 and 4 are not bad. The easiest leads to change would be
2 and 3. If the second cylinder continues to work and the third one is
still not firing, the problem is most likely not the leads.

3) Of course, check and recheck to be sure that the plug leads are
installed in the proper sequence. Assuming the lead to the first plug
(flywheel end) is correct, the next lead in a clockwise direction around the
distributor cap goes to the second cylinder, then to the fourth, and finally
to number three.

Don