Tuned Pinto won't start
Discussion
So my tuned Pinto has decided after a winter, it now doesn't want to start.
Engine is Harris built 2.1. Running on twin 48 DCOE's.
Was running fine when I put it away at the start of winter. Initially it would just about fire, but not run, so defo sounded like a fuel starvation issue. Tasks completed so far are :-
Checked spark - ok
Electric Fuel pump - working fine (used it to drain the tank) - Removed and cleaned pump filter
Drained old fuel and replaced with new (Esso 97 Ron)
Cleaned all jets in the carbs (didn't empty float bowls which in hindsight was an overthought, to be rectified). Cleaned needle valves for floats, these were a bit sticky.
I do have a Malpassi Fuel regulator in the fuel circuit. I haven't bypassed this yet, but will do.
After the above, it doesn't fire at all, but still has a spark !
Anyone who can add some further wisdom, or something I have missed, would be greatly appreciated.
Engine is Harris built 2.1. Running on twin 48 DCOE's.
Was running fine when I put it away at the start of winter. Initially it would just about fire, but not run, so defo sounded like a fuel starvation issue. Tasks completed so far are :-
Checked spark - ok
Electric Fuel pump - working fine (used it to drain the tank) - Removed and cleaned pump filter
Drained old fuel and replaced with new (Esso 97 Ron)
Cleaned all jets in the carbs (didn't empty float bowls which in hindsight was an overthought, to be rectified). Cleaned needle valves for floats, these were a bit sticky.
I do have a Malpassi Fuel regulator in the fuel circuit. I haven't bypassed this yet, but will do.
After the above, it doesn't fire at all, but still has a spark !
Anyone who can add some further wisdom, or something I have missed, would be greatly appreciated.
Yes, plugs are wet too, which is confusing. I would say though that the spark is not massive, I was expecting a really good bright spark (all the ignition components are brand new, contacts all super clean and it ran fine before putting it away) but if I could describe it I would say it's a small spark.
Remove plugs, spin the engine on the starter to clear the bores, heat up plugs (200c in the oven for 10 mins – I always recommend NOT using your missus’s brand new non-stick tray for this… she won’t be best pleased IME) or use a blow torch to get them nice and warm, re-fit plugs (wear gloves) and try to start.
Been there, done that on a variety of Pintos and now on a Volvo B20… works every time. The Volvo engine especially seems to be very sensitive to fouled bores.
You have made sure you’ve got a good earth, right? You could use the old jump-lead-from-block-to-chassis to eliminate the possibility of a dodgy earth strap. Might explain the ‘small’ spark you describe.
Been there, done that on a variety of Pintos and now on a Volvo B20… works every time. The Volvo engine especially seems to be very sensitive to fouled bores.
You have made sure you’ve got a good earth, right? You could use the old jump-lead-from-block-to-chassis to eliminate the possibility of a dodgy earth strap. Might explain the ‘small’ spark you describe.
RLK500 said:
Yes, plugs are wet too, which is confusing. I would say though that the spark is not massive, I was expecting a really good bright spark (all the ignition components are brand new, contacts all super clean and it ran fine before putting it away) but if I could describe it I would say it's a small spark.
Not confusing at all. Wet plugs, throw them in the bin. Ensure battery is good and engine spinning fast enough and start.All sorted. Re-visited the carbs, just ensure all was clean, including float bowls and regulator. Removed and cleaned all ther plugs and it fired up, with one cylinder down. That turned out to be no.1, which was the plug that we checked and had a weak spark. Swapped the plug and it now runs perfectly. Need to get a spare set of plugs for the future.
Thanks for the suggestions and assistance.
Thanks for the suggestions and assistance.
Faust66 said:
Legacywr said:
Just need some photos now.....
Indeed... I used to drool over Harris Pintos in Classic Ford magazine, but I could never afford one. Closest I got was a Vulcan Engineering head and Kent FR32 cam in a 2 Litre Capri (assembled the engine myself) back in the early 2000's.
open bell-mouths make's my toes curl I just worry dirt ingestion and tolls on bores and rings , I suppose it depends how often you freshen up the motor 
but we drive on dirty roads not race circuits Legacywr said:
The thing is, it’s not a daily driver, so will probably take decades to actually wear out, at a guess.
The competition between providing more protection with air filters, or listening to the sound of the carbs... is very one sided
This i true The competition between providing more protection with air filters, or listening to the sound of the carbs... is very one sided
although big Piper X filters on my 45's didnt stifle the snorts and induction roar any 
I would want at least some mesh grilles on those trumpets, the thought of a bit of stray road chipping flicking up and being ingested would give me nightmares!
Is it an illusion or does number 4 appear to be a bit shrouded by the inner wing? ISTR recall minimum clearance for optimum air flow if 1.5 x trumpet throat diameter?
Is it an illusion or does number 4 appear to be a bit shrouded by the inner wing? ISTR recall minimum clearance for optimum air flow if 1.5 x trumpet throat diameter?
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