The Mystery of the Intermittent Startup

Hi all,

Hope you're well this holiday season.

I really hope you can help me out. As you'll possibly recall, I own a 1.8 carb non injection Clipper Cabriolet, 89 reg. 

Since purchasing it a few month back, I've encountered intermittent issues with it starting.

This was initially fixed by means of a new fuel pump, but now the problem has returned and although it attempts to turn over, the car doesn't start. 

So far, I've had new

Distributor cap
Spark plugs
Battery
Fuel pump
Fuel filter

It's been suggested I check the spark plugs to ensure one hasn't suffered an untimely end, and that I check the distributor cap to ensure the leads are in the right firing order.

I'd be grateful for advice on whether this is the right approach, if I'm missing an obvious issue, and as to what the correct firing order would be.

Thank you!

hi , is it a mechanical fuel pump on your car or an electric 1 , some carb models had electric fuel pumps , if it is electric , check the relay , mine used to have water drip on it and would cut the car out , it then wouldn't start until i had dried the relay , if its mechanical fuel pump , then this also needs to be checked . see what pressure is coming from it and what fuel is pumping from it , failing this , back to basics , check for spark , check ignition relay , keep us informed ,

How old is the rotor arm and HT leads?

Well if it has started and run well before you can rule out leads in wrong order.
Start with basics. Pull off a lead and put an old spark plug in place near the engine see if you have a spark.

Next check you have fuel either remove plug and see if they are wet or fuel line.
Does the car have an alarm or immobiliser?

Actually I had this before it was a leak under the rear seat. On the fuel pipe pick up sucking in air. Car would konk out and take ages to start. Remade joint new clip and worked well.