Help Required (Again)

[Jaye R]

Hi all

Just need to pick all your brains once more...well the S is pretty much coming back together nicely (about bloomin time I hear you cry - only been 5 and half years to date)...so, I decided to try and start her at the weekend and (to no great surprise) she doesn't want to cooperate.

This is what I have done so far...

- Fuel - YES
- Coolant - YES
- Battery Charged - YES (along with a booster pack attached).
- Fuel Pump 'whirring' - YES

Turn the key and the alternator turns (very laboured though), the starter motor clicks, but then everything just grinds to a halt. Pause, try again, same thing. Is stongly suspect it is battery/power related, but could it be lack of fuel (only just put juice in the tank, so nothing in the fuel lines), could it be the dizzy is in the wrong place, etc???

I feel that this might be a trial & error process, but would like some pointers as to where to start the fault finding process.

Even better if anyone would like a trip to Wakefield to help me work this out it would be truly appreciated - usual tea/coffee & biscuits with beer tokens included on offer as bribery If you can, fab - please just PM me so we can arrange an engine 'play date'

Many thanks for all advices in advance.

Cheers
Jaye

[SS2.]

The alternator won't turn unless the starter is turning the engine over (or the engine is running).

Do you have a multi-meter ? If yes, check the voltage across the battery terminals, both at rest and when you're trying to start her.

If the battery voltage is below 12v at rest, or if there is a big voltage drop (ie to sub 10v) when cranking, chances are the battery is not fully charged or it's duff.

If the battery voltage is >12.5v at rest and there isn't a signficant voltage drop when the starter engages, check the battery terminals are tight, likewise the other end of the earth cable.

[h271mbk]

If the engine hasn't been running for some time, before you try and start it pop the plugs out and turn it over several times by hand. If it turn smoothly, crank it on the starter. If all ok, pop the plugs in and try again. If it struggles with the plugs in it's, as previously said, most likely duff battery or a corroded electrical connector i.e. + connection or earth on battery, engine or starter.

[Jaye R]

Hi Guys

Many thanks for the quick response...no how to show how especially thick I am...below is a picture of my multi-meter...which setting do I set the 'dial' to and which reading am I looking at...sorry, not really used one before



Cheers
Jaye

[phillpot]

Hi Jaye, Not much to add to above except have you re-fitted the earth strap from the gearbox to the chassis, down by the gearbox support cross member?


If you have some decent jump leads put one from a good clean bit of metal on the engine (Plenum) direct to battery negative.

[AutoAndy]

Sounds like not enough volts Jaye...mine had it when the battery earth to the chassis was corroded and needed cleaning up...alternatively if you have had a battery that has been doing knack-all in the last 5 years, it will probably be the cause...just knackered.

Good luck

[Jaye R]

Defo sounds like a new battery then If someone can just let me know the correct settimgs & way to read the multi meter that would be great.

I shall try all of the above before sourcing a new battery

Thanks again

Cheers
Jaye

[Jaye R]

Ah ha...thanks Mike

[phillpot]

Jaye R said:

Ah ha...thanks Mike

Sorry I was a bit wrong


Rotary knob to 25volts DC

then use the scale just above the green figures that goes o-50-100-150-200-250.... but knock a nought off so 12 volts will be 120 on the scale


If you have a PP3 battery to hand try your meter on that, just so you're happy it's set right, should get 9 (90) volts

Edited by phillpot on Monday 5th June 19:54

[Jaye R]

Ok, ta

[Jaye R]

Not even hitting the '100' mark...so off to sort a new battery

Thanks guys...will let you kbow how things progress...

Cheers
Jaye

[ukflyboy]

Some of the modern battery chargers do wonders for reviving previously dead batteries however, if your battery is 5+ years old and pumping out less than 10v after a charge then a new battery sounds like a sound investment.

[Buzzlt]

Wow that's a classic meter, want to sell it ? Analogue meters are so much better sometimes than the digital age !
Keep us posted, any other electrical problems I hope you still have my number somewhere or ask rev limiter to message me 👍👍

Can't wait to see it back on the road.

Cheers Greg

[phillpot]

Buzzlt said:

Wow that's a classic meter, want to sell it ?

Yep! ...............

[glenrobbo]

Greg won't be able to resist that vintage Megger, Mike!

[Oldred_V8S]

phillpot said:

Yep! ...............

Oh the laughs we used to have with a Meggar when I was a young-un. Nothing like charging up a capacitor with flying leads and putting it into a vice with the leads appropriately placed either side of an insulating band around the circumference of the cap and waiting for your less experienced colleagues to grab the cap and the vice handle.

[Jaye R]

Hi all me again!!!

Still no joy in starting

- Replaced Battery
- replaced spark plugs
- checked dizzy position
- fuel pump sounds like it runs when I turn the key

Engine turning over fine, just not firing up.

I have a feeling that the fuel is not getter through...the spark plugs are bone dry...

I have ordered a new fuel filter & pump (just in case) & was wondering whether there are any kind souls who fancy a run to Wakefield on Sat 29th or Sun 30th July to help me go through everything to find the fault...I think it's going to be a two man job to work it through.

Cheers
Jaye

[TVRees]

On the engine fuel supply rail there should be a pressure release valve (it's like a bicycle tyre pressure valve). You can use this to see if fuel is coming through. Loosen it a little and connect a hose to it to safely drain away any fuel.

Also, check the fuel pressure regulator, maybe this is faulty/blocked and is not allowing the unused fuel to return to the tank.

[RayTVR]

Jaye, would have done but I'm away in Bristol that weekend. Sure someone will be along shortly who can assist. Good luck, Ray

[glenrobbo]

Hi Jaye,

Do you have any other dates available?
That weekend is Silverstone Classic, 3 Sisters TVR Speed Challenge sprints, and my local High Peak Nomads monthly meet at Rudyard near Leek.
You may get more response with an alternative date.

Plus I'm no expert on the Efi system but I'm willing to help if I can.
Firstly, could it be an immobiliser issue?
I'm thinking "Is the fuel getting to the injectors? Are the injectors getting an electrical supply? If so, are they physically opening and spraying a good spray pattern?
If it is an electrical / ECU issue, a diagnostic check using a Star Tester would most likely show it up. RayTVR has one, as does Phillpot.
Is there nobody local whose brains you could pick? I believe Damian is good on electronic stuff.

When is your daughter's prom? I believe that was the target for getting your S ready? It must be getting close...

Edited by glenrobbo on Tuesday 18th July 10:59