Non starting engine

[commemorative74]

I purchased a UK RHD 1973 (non emissions)roadster about 5 years ago. The car was in generally good condition also having the benefit of newly refurbished carburettors as the previous owner had been running her with Webbers on and couldn't tune it properly, so decided to go back to original, which were installed by a reputable company.
I decided to spend the weekend engine detailing as the rest of the compartment looks a little grubby compared to the carbs.
To cut a long story short my engine bay detailing got a little bit carried away and within a week she was completely stripped and a full nut and bolt restoration had commenced.
The majority of the work has been done by myself with the help of another experienced Jaguar mechanic. The car now is virtually complete apart from the interior but I am having real problems in trying to start her.
I have tried to keep as much originality as possible with the emphasis on refurbishing, replating or repainting original period items rather than replacing them with aftermarket items, which can sometimes differ from original equipment. (I have however, used the SNG Barretts Opus ignition conversion, new distributor, amplifier, ballast resistor, coil and leads etc)

A week later after the first turning of the key she is still not starting and I am slowing running out of patience as my tick list of things to check is almost exhausted so I would be grateful for any ideas.

So far I have done or checked the following:

Spark plugs for good strong spark, engine compression check - this possible seemed a little low (100psi?) starting motor turning engine adequately, new fuel pump installed and correct pressure (which is just under 4 pints per minute), prior to the carbs going back on the car these were checked for operations and partially stripped to ensure floats and needles were operating correctly and the diaphragms had no rips or tears ; I took the opportunity to swap over the majority of the ignition system from another V12 that has the same Barretts Opus system, just in case the newly supplied kit was at fault. Even when using Easystart it makes no real difference.
On checking the sparkplugs, after numerous attempts to start, these were all dry which points to carburation. I carefully prised off the brass plugs that bung up the underneath of the fuel filler bowls and copious amounts of fuel gushed out from all four. I have also checked all the fuel lines by disconnecting them at various stages of the run so I know the pressure is good. The only other possibility is if the timing is 180 degrees out which I can't see has happened, but if this was the case, it wouldn't explain the dry plugs!

Can anyone come up with any other ideas before I pull what hair on my head is still remaining out!

Thanks Alex

[mgcjag]

Hi Alex.....you would be best posting this in the S3 section of the forum...don't know S3 much but if the plugs are dry the fuel is not coming through so needs investigation...are thev strombergs?.....also make sure the timing is correct befor you start anything else.....