Won't start

[Cavey]

Six weeks in and first issues with the old girl today. Starter and fuel pump both seem to be working (at least they sound like it) but the engine won't catch. It almost does on the first attempt. It's been stood for a week, and last fill I used 95 rather than 98/7. Could that be it? Any ideas gratefully received.

Cheers

Martin

[scotty_d]

If it is spinning over and the fuel pump is priming(and getting fuel to the rail) i would check for a spark next.

[Cavey]

Thanks Scotty.

Forgive the ignorance but how does a mechanical novice do that, or are we better off calling the AA?

[scotty_d]

Your would be best to pull the full pump relay out, Remove one of the air box's to let you get access to the spark plugs remove one. Fit the HT lead back on and touch the body of the plug back to the block and get some to briefly crank the engine over and see if it is sparking.

Not sure handy with a spanner you are but if in doubt call for help.

Cheers Scotty

[Cavey]

Thanks. Have got as far as the plug but my spark plug socket doesn't fit. What size will I need?

[scotty_d]

I am pretty sure it is 16mm but not 100% can some one confirm this???? I am at work so can't nip out to check mine sorry.

The halfords ones do the job as it needs to have a thin wall to fit in the AJP block.

[Cavey]

Halfords one does indeed fit!

Just to confirm, as this all makes me nervous, getting someone to "crank the engine" means try and start it?

(fuel pump relay, no 4, brown, removed)

[scotty_d]

Yes ignition on like your trying to start it but only crank it for like 2-3 seconds to look for a spark best hold the HT lead with Pliers and press the metal body of the plug on the engine block. Just watch a little fuel may still come out the pulg hole so watch your eyes and move the plug a little away from it just in case.

If the Relay is out it can not start on you but if it did just switch it off. It will be fine no risk of damage at all.

All you want to establish is is your car getting fuel and a spark and then take it from there.

[Cavey]

Did that. Spark present and correct. Thought I'd put it back together as out of time today - tried it one last time and she fired up! Either she just wanted some attention or they're some very good vibes your sending south, but either way thanks very much.

Perhaps tomorrow I can start on trying to get the passenger door working which was supposed to be today's job!

Martin

[ChrisVilkas]

I take it you are waiting for the car to prime for 2 seconds before you try and start her ? It might be worth giving her a service new leads and plugs just to make sure that everything is ok, make sure you get the slandered ones they don't seem to like the expensive ones do you have a v8 or speed six ??

[scotty_d]

Great stuff glad she burst in to life. Might just be as said might need a bit longer to prime up when left. Might be worth letting it prime up twice if it has been stood for any time so then you know there will plenty of pressure and fuel in the rail.

[Cavey]

She's a 4.5 Chris.

Does priming mean putting the ignition on?

[scotty_d]

Yes just when you switch the ignition on the fuel pump runs for a few moments.

[ChrisVilkas]

When you turn the ignition on you should hear the pump priming up if you can't hear it then you could have a problem should run for 2 seconds then turn itself off then you can turn her over.

[Cavey]

Cheers, that's exactly what's happening so all well hopefully.

Starting right on the button today so just got lonely yesterday I reckon.