V8S Slow to start

[quinny]

The initial message was deleted from this topic on 16 October 2011 at 09:27

[MikeyT]

Christ, a thread about a non-starting car in 'General Gassing' ... whatever next?!

[HarryW]

Silly point really but does the fuel pump makes the usual quiet loud priming noise when the ignition’s first switched on? If not then perhaps it could be taking a while to get up to pressure? if so has he tried leaving the ignition on for 1/2 a minute before cranking to allow the pressure to build up first?
Another possible cause could be the alarm/immobiliser is taking its time allowing the fuel pump and or ECU to come on line?
Even sillier one, he's not opening the throttle whilst cranking? best started with the go pedal left alone.
Apologise if these seem a bit basic and egg/suck/granny-esq, but you know the drill ask the silly questions first and in my case that’s the highest level the questions ever get

Harry

[GreenV8S]

Too latew to be any good I'm sure, but I'd look at the ignition side of things. I'd start by checking there's a strong spark while it's cranking and while it's running. If not, it's the usual ignition system trouble shooting drill.

Hope this helps,
Peter Humphries (and a green V8S)

[zebedee]

thanks indeed, seems we've just cured the random starting problem thats been plaguing dad's cobra replica (rover 3.5) for about 3 years!!!

Dad, lets try the coil cable - oh look, very loose, lets widen the sleeve a bit, better fit, started first time (no churning) in about 12 consecutive attempts!

Of course, it still neeeds to be road 'tested' tomorrow