390se

[pedder]

Tried to start the wedge this weekend,but not had out for over 2 years,found that the gears had stuck so i was told to heat the engine up and they would release.
I left the car running but did not realise the fan did not come on,the next thing i heard was a small pop and the engine stopped,tried to start the car again but would only run for about 5 seconds,don't know if I've blown the head.The gears do at least go in know, but could somebody recommend anybody in west Yorkshire to have a look at the car.

[blaineuk]

has it lost its water, could have popped a radiator cap off, water on to leads, so now won;t start.

[grahamw48]

It's maybe blown a core plug out...but would have expected water on the floor.

What's the situation with the water in the system...if any ?

[pedder]

Just checked the water level all seems fine,cant remember any on the floor after it stopped running,the temperature did reach 120 though.

[B-Reight]

Any obvious fluids laying all over the garage floor? Any untoward noises when turning it over?

[grahamw48]

pedder said:

Just checked the water level all seems fine,cant remember any on the floor after it stopped running,the temperature did reach 120 though.

You may have got away with it, as temp.reading may have been localised.
I'd have expected water gushing out of every orifice if the motor had REALLY over-heated. Possibly oil still pretty cool. At least the water pump would have been working, unlike when your fan belt lets go.

I once ran out of water in my Ford 1600GT powered Dutton kit car, and it had got so hot that the oil was virually boiling, blown a core plug, and the engine was 'sizzling' like a grill.

Let her cool, topped up with oil and water and all was well.

Of course that wasn't an all alloy engine.

Let's hoped you haven't warped anything.

Properly blown H/gasket you will be well down on power, oil in the water,
overheating all the time, maybe even chuffing if it's really bad.

[pedder]

Is there a garage locally to Bradford i can take the car to,since the water seems ok and the oil looks fine.

[JR]

Richard Thorpe in Sheffield?

[rev-erend]

Sorry - I'm down south .. so do not know garages up north .. except RT racing.

Could we clear up a few things ..

Cannot get gears .. is probably a stuck clutch .. quite common on any cars that has not been started for a long while.

The engine stopping and not running again .. does it turn over ..

Sounds a bit like an electrical connect on the battery or starter motor is either loose or not effective.

[Trickie Dickie]

pedder said:

Is there a garage locally to Bradford i can take the car to,since the water seems ok and the oil looks fine.

May be best talking to your most local garage first
or ring Gordon Walker on 01484 512432 and he may collect it from you
He is a TVRCC member and runs his own garage in Huddersfield area

Where in Bradford are you - I am in Thackley and have a 400SE
I certainly aren't a mechanic but happy to have a look

If you are Leeds side of Bradford call Andy Turner on 0113 278 4003 in Kirkstall
He is a guru on the RV8 engine

HTH

Richard

[pedder]

The gears are not stuck anymore,but the engine does turnover and runs for a few seconds then cuts out.

[grahamw48]

Fuel pump ? Old fuel?

Sounds fuel related anyway.

[pedder]

Hi Richard I'm over in Wyke so if your ever passing you could call in,wont be ringing a garage for a few weeks till I've saved some money up.

Thanks Mark

[B-Reight]

I'll second Andy Turner, he's taken a look at my car before and seems to know his stuff.

I'm based in Ilkley and have a few bits and pieces spare if you think it might be a particular component, though im not a garage either

[tempus]

Assuming water and oil levels are ok check fuel,add some fresh,make sure pump is pumping,disconnect cold start and try again.Tempus.