Chim won't start, please help
Discussion
Engine turns over, but only very occasionally hear it fire.
Checked I am getting a spark
Checked petrol is getting to the injectors (took return pipe off and petrol gushed out when ignition switched on).
The car has been a bit lumpy for a minute or two in the mornings for a while now, this morning it fired up, ran poorly for 20 seconds then died.
Not sure if I had run out of petrol so put in another gallon, but still the same.
Battery flat now, so waiting for it to charge up again.
Do these engines get flooded with petrol, if so, is the only way to sort it to take all spark plugs out and clean or is there some other way?
I've had the car 4 years and never had this problem before.
Any suggestions anyone?
Andy
Checked I am getting a spark
Checked petrol is getting to the injectors (took return pipe off and petrol gushed out when ignition switched on).
The car has been a bit lumpy for a minute or two in the mornings for a while now, this morning it fired up, ran poorly for 20 seconds then died.
Not sure if I had run out of petrol so put in another gallon, but still the same.
Battery flat now, so waiting for it to charge up again.
Do these engines get flooded with petrol, if so, is the only way to sort it to take all spark plugs out and clean or is there some other way?
I've had the car 4 years and never had this problem before.
Any suggestions anyone?
Andy
It could be one of a number of things and there's not much point in going down the 'swap it and see' route, but if you have any spare parts to swap around, that would at least cost nothing.
My favourite starting place would be the rotor arm. Also check the condition of the inside of the distributor cap for dampness, electrode damage and 'tracking' (fine sooty lines highlighting hairline cracks).
The plugs do easily foul up from flooding: some on here recommend replacement as the only cure, but I believe if they are dry they're going to work better than if they're wet. Did you check for a spark at the plug, or the coil, or the distributor, or where?
My favourite starting place would be the rotor arm. Also check the condition of the inside of the distributor cap for dampness, electrode damage and 'tracking' (fine sooty lines highlighting hairline cracks).
The plugs do easily foul up from flooding: some on here recommend replacement as the only cure, but I believe if they are dry they're going to work better than if they're wet. Did you check for a spark at the plug, or the coil, or the distributor, or where?
If air leak develops any where in the inlet system (like any rubber hoses split), the engine will start and run for 3-4 seconds and then die. The initial over rich mixture will allow the engine to run, but once the air flow volume comes into play, (Now reduced because of the air leak) the injector pulse width is reduced to the point where the is insufficient fuel to keep the engine running, so it dies. The whole pipe work and breather system around the plenum chamber is pretty finely balanced and can be easily go out of tolerance should an air leak develop. It is possible for the engine to run roughly for longer if the air leaks not that bad. If it will run given more throttle, but not tickover, its a good place to start.
) Sorted now, there was a bit of condensation inside the dizy cap which I wiped off but it still would not start.
Took several plugs out and found they were soaked in petrol !
Tried cleaning them but they fouled up straight away as soon as I tried to start it again (no throttle).
Sorted out by getting a tow from a friend while ignition on and in 2nd gear, took a while but chugged into life eventually, now starts fine again, just hope it hasn't knackered the cat.
Fingers crossed for tomorrow morning.
Took several plugs out and found they were soaked in petrol !
Tried cleaning them but they fouled up straight away as soon as I tried to start it again (no throttle).
Sorted out by getting a tow from a friend while ignition on and in 2nd gear, took a while but chugged into life eventually, now starts fine again, just hope it hasn't knackered the cat.
Fingers crossed for tomorrow morning.
Hi
I am guessing this solved your problem since you have not replied again??
I have had the exact same problem today. I was fitting a new battery - went to drive off - it ran for 15-20 seconds then spluttered to a stop. Now its turning over strongly - but not firing - occasionally it sounds like it is trying to.
I have tested the spark and it is strong, the fuel pump is going too.
There is a smell of petrol when i try and start it for a while so there must be spark and fuel.
gotta tow it anyway tomorrow - so will try the bump start thing that worked for you on my way to the garage
why do i love such a naughty scamp??
Jo.
I am guessing this solved your problem since you have not replied again??
I have had the exact same problem today. I was fitting a new battery - went to drive off - it ran for 15-20 seconds then spluttered to a stop. Now its turning over strongly - but not firing - occasionally it sounds like it is trying to.
I have tested the spark and it is strong, the fuel pump is going too.
There is a smell of petrol when i try and start it for a while so there must be spark and fuel.
gotta tow it anyway tomorrow - so will try the bump start thing that worked for you on my way to the garage
why do i love such a naughty scamp??
Jo.
it does not take much to create this situation,start the car when your ready to drive away.
I had this problem just after buying my 500, well the day after actually. I was baffled until I noticed the coil leaking its oil over the rocker cover, but I still had a spark, but it was weak. Replaced the coil which you could actually hear the coil rattling around in the case if you shook it and it was missing the essential liquid wax. Mind you it does get hot under that bonnet!! Then trying to restart ...........After a few days trying to dry the plugs, gave up bought a new set and she fired first time. Hope this helps??? Tony 500
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