My Yale GLP030 forklift, model GLP030BFNUAF078FR, has been running rough when I start it especially on cold damp days. It usually clears up a after getting up to temperature and revving it up a few times. I figured it must be ignition problems or spark plug related so this morning I pulled the spark plugs to see if any were fouled. Didn't see any problem with plugs - very clean and good condition. Next I removed the wires at the distributor cap and pulled the cap and rotor. There was some corrosion and residue on the 4 terminals inside the cap so I cleaned them with a small wire brush on a Dremel tool. Also cleaned the coil center coil terminal inside the cap and the rotor contacts. I put everything back together but it wont start now. If I keep cranking it occasionally backfires so sounds like the firing order is not correct. The distributor cap is the same as the attached picture. It has a number by each of the 4 plug terminals. I added the numbers to the picture so it was clearer. I think my engine is a Mazda 2.0 or 2.2 liter and if it is the firing order should be 4-3-1-2. I reattached the wires to the terminals with number 4 being the cylinder at the flywheel (front) end of the machine and 1 at the fan (rear) end of the machine where the distributor is located. The rotor seems to only go on the distributor shaft in 1 location so that should be correct. Appreciate if anyone familiar with these engines can confirm if I am using the correct firing order and and the cylinder numbers are 1 at the fan (distributor)end and 4 at the flywheel end.
I don’t know about your lift. I bought an old yale 7000 lb forklift a few years ago. A basket case of a machine. You didn’t mention having a manual. If you don’t have one the best thing you can do is track down all the manuals (parts, service, operating maintenance). This will be your best path forward. This is what i did. Most of these lifts are pretty simple but you need to get the docs.
Definitely sounds like your firing order is out, especially if it ran before you took it apart. I would be checking the firing order, as I assume you don’t have a picture before you took the wires out. Usually a firing order will be stamped somewhere on the block or intake. A manual may be required. I thought Mazda engines were timed from the front to the back. 1,3,4,2 and #1 was front left.