first time in 2 years help

[big.jezz]

just got in car to come home from work and will not start
fuel pump is working turns over fine
and nearly starts has bin running fine apart from alternater has bin making a noise like a milk float dont no if this has anythink to do with it
as battery is fine what are the first things i should look for

[Chris Smith]

I had a problem with mine 'nearly starting' but then running fine once it fired up. The stepper moteor was filthy (despite full service at main dealer!!!). Once stepper motor cleaned up, no problems since.

[good soil (pete)]

Check the coil.......if you get it running and it runs like a dog it could be the coil that is failing....mine just mysteriously packed up one day at a junction.....I did get it going after about an hour but it ran like it was only firing on 2 cylinders.......then it died completely......apparently (i've never done it) you can take the coil off the top of the engine and if there appears to be any 'oil' this is a sign that the coil is on its way out......hope this helps or at least gives you something to cross of the list!

[snorky]

sounds like coil or more like ignition amp....mine went recently with symptoms like this.

[andy-w]

Have you got a spark at all?
Pull the ht lead from the coil to dizzy (Dizzy end) and get a work colleague to hold that end...if he jumps around assume there is a spark!!!

[big.jezz]

very strange have bin playing about for an hour now there is fuel there is a good spark it would get so close to starting but not quite got pi;;ed off in the end gave it i toe and bumped it ran rough for a min now fine
had a lot of rain last night it even leaked in driver footwell for the first time
must just be damp start trouble

>> Edited by big.jezz on Thursday 8th December 14:09

>> Edited by big.jezz on Thursday 8th December 14:10

[Chris Smith]

Careful about bump starting it. You can get unburnt fuel damaging the cats - especially if it then splutters for ages.

[Cider Andy]

If there's fuel and a good spark, have a look at the plugs. They tend to foul up and cause this kind of problem.

[big.jezz]

Cider Andy said:

If there's fuel and a good spark, have a look at the plugs. They tend to foul up and cause this kind of problem.

had a look at plugs are a little dirty its due service in 600 mile so will be in for one in next 4 weeks

[big.jezz]

Chris Smith said:

Careful about bump starting it. You can get unburnt fuel damaging the cats - especially if it then splutters for ages.

i sort of wanted them to get damaged
cos when i have service am having them taken out

big thanx to everyone for your help