Failure to start

Post by **yellowbelly** » Fri Jun 01, 2007 7:23 pm

Can anyone help!
My 52 sidevalve will not start
There is a spark at points and plugs
Whilst attempting to start the coil gets very warm.
The car fires up but will not run
Thanks

Post by **Willie** » Fri Jun 01, 2007 10:21 pm

Be specific, either it will not start i.e. not fire at all, or it does fire up but will not continue to run? Has the car been interferred with since it last started satisfactorily?

Post by **yellowbelly** » Fri Jun 01, 2007 10:25 pm

iHi
The car doew fire up but will not continue to run - the car has not been interfered with but was not running very well immediateley before.

Post by **kennatt** » Sat Jun 02, 2007 8:13 am

check for good petrol supply,does it still fire up when the coil if hot

Post by **Willie** » Sat Jun 02, 2007 8:26 am

Obviously it could be many things but, if there is still a spark after it has started and then stopped it looks like a fuel problem. The only reliable way to test a suspect coil by the way is to fit a substitute. It is advisable to carry a spare one anyway but if you buy one get it from a Minor specialist as it is easy to buy the wrong type.

Post by **yellowbelly** » Sat Jun 02, 2007 10:39 am

Thanks so far
Definateley not a fuel problem

Post by **chickenjohn** » Sat Jun 02, 2007 11:23 am

Maybe the timing is out, if the distrubutor has been knocked out of position.

Post by **paulhumphries** » Sat Jun 02, 2007 11:52 am

yellowbelly wrote:Thanks so far
Definateley not a fuel problem

Is it fresh fuel ?
Unleaded only had a limited life before it starts to "go off".
Old fuel is the most common problem with garden strimmers, lawnmowers etc not starting after being laid up over the winter.
My old Honda motorbike will fire occasionally but not run on old fuel so I need to refill with fresh after it's been laid up.

Paul Humphries

Post by **chickenjohn** » Sat Jun 02, 2007 3:53 pm

Has some one put diesel in the tank? I've seen it happen!

Post by **kennatt** » Sat Jun 02, 2007 4:46 pm

yeh

one of my outboard motors had exactly the same problem.Changed the petrol.Perfect worth a try.

Post by **yellowbelly** » Sat Jun 02, 2007 9:10 pm

Leaded fuel - fresh
dizzy in correct position and not knocked
Diesel only goes in my mondeo
Any more ideas-
Thanks Paul

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sat Jun 02, 2007 9:15 pm

If it 'fires up' then the sparks must be ok. Why do you think it's not a fuel problem ?? Pour some fuel down it's throat and see if it runs longer like that! The coil will obviously get hot if the ignition is switched on and the engine not running.

Post by **paulhumphries** » Sat Jun 02, 2007 10:08 pm

Have you tried changing the condensor ?
A way, I was told, of checking if a condensor is faulty is to remove distributor cap, switch on ignition and manually open points with an insulated screwdriver or similar.
If the condensor is good then there should be only the slightest of spark when point open.
If duff then there will be a big spark at the points contacts.
Also, but I don't know how much difference it might make, is ensure the coil connectors are the right way round.

Paul Humphries

Post by **NZJLY** » Sat Jun 02, 2007 10:08 pm

Check the pump is ticking over, and I would probably take off the cover to the float bowl - it doesn't take much muck in there to cause a problem - I have learned from experience

John

Post by **kennatt** » Sun Jun 03, 2007 7:27 am

check all electrical conections to coil and distrbutor and earth strap engine to body.Once had a similar problem on an mg would start run for a few seconds,then cut out,cleaned all the connection and earth strap,problem solved. I ussumed that as soon as the engine started,the movement of the engine was causing a break in the electical continuity. Worth a try good luck

Morris Minor Owners Club

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Re: Failure to start