Hi, Just thought I'd ask for pointers on a traveller engine that I can't get started. I got the car some months ago (its slowly being restored) and even then it only started twice with difficulity, as you had to keep trying it and eventually it would start. What I'am doing to it is stripping down the wood, replacing the window channels and eventually get welding done, but meanwhile I'd love to be able to turn the engine over.
I did replace the petrol pump but we still have no contact. It will turn over but it just won't catch. Now obviously the engine has been sitting up for a while and the battery is very low, but I did try one of those battery jump starters things which did improve the charge but still didn't start it. So just wondering if anyone could point me in the right direction as what to try next and how to do it ? I presume if its not the battery then the sparks and distrubuter would be next to look at, but how ????
1) Fuel. Make sure you are actually getting fuel to the carburettor. I guess you checked that after you replaced the pump, but if not, it could be sludge in the petrol tank blocking the pipes. Take the fuel line off where it joins the carburettor, stick the end in a clean jam jar or similar, and turn the ignition on. There should be a steady flow of petrol. If not, then the problem is likely to be blocked fuel lines or the new pump not working.
If fuel is getting to the carb. is it getting into the engine? After you've tried turning the engine over and it doesn't start, if you take out one of the spark plugs, it should be wet looking with unburnt fuel (smell of petrol). If not, there's a blockage in the carburettor itself (inlet needle valve / jet fuel link or the jet itself.)
2) Ignition. Is it trying to fire, or just dead? If it is just dead, check the low tension leads to the coil haven't come loose or detached.
In any case, check to see if you've got a spark at the spark plugs using a plastic handled screwdriver. Take a plug lead off at the plug end, stick the blade end of the screwdriver into the plug cap, and holding the plastic handle, bring the metal part of the screwdriver near to some bare metal point on the cylinder head (a head nut will usually do the trick). You should see a spark between the screwdriver blade and the engine as the engine turns over.
Test one cylinder at a time. You should get a spark on all four. If you get none, there is a problem with the coil, points, condenser or the HT lead that goes from the coil to the distributor. If you get one or two not working, there is a problem with those HT leads or the distibutor cap.
If all are working, there is a problem with the spark plugs themselves or the timing.
Do you want to try to pin it down as above and come back with the results, otherwise we're going to get a lot of "ifs"?
Cheers, Axolotl.
I know that you believe you understand what you think I wrote, but I am not sure you realize that what you read is not what I meant.
Hi, thanks a million for all that. I'll try them all over Christmas. As far as I know the pump works but I'll double check. We did try the sparks and there was a weak spark from them, which is why we tried the battery route first, but we'll go back and do it step by step and see where we go.
Thanks again, and Happy Christmas.
Ian
Gertie, 1962 Saloon, Milly, 1969 Traveller (ex APL 971H) and now KAS 1958 4 Door Saloon.
[img]http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t28/iandromiskin/DSC_0051-1.jpg[/img][img]http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t28/iandromiskin/Picture112.jpg[/img][img]http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t28/iandromiskin/Picture366.jpg[/img]
If you are getting a weak spark, then assuming the fuel is getting through, most likely a new, or fully charged battery will be all you need to get it going.
You didn't say what the history was to your non-runner, but there's no reason why things like the timing would be so wrong as to stop it starting if it hasn't been dismantled since it last ran.
If you don't run to a new battery, you could try jump starting with leads from a good car to get it going (keep the engine running on the second car while you do it).
One last thought, on the fuel side, check that the choke cable is actually working the mechanism on the carb. and hasn't come adrift or become jammed. A cold engine is unlikely to start if the choke isn't working.
Happy Christmas and good luck in the new year.
Let us know how you get on.
Cheers, Axolotl.
I know that you believe you understand what you think I wrote, but I am not sure you realize that what you read is not what I meant.
Very difficult to start an engine on 'old' petrol - use some new stuff and charge the battery right up. then it's points/condenser/rotor arm/dizzy cap/spark plugs etc etc.
