Sudden non starter

[culp]

Hi

I've a series II with an 803 engine.

I took her out for a run and she went absolutely fine with no sign of problems. I left her parked in the drive for the afternoon and when I came out to put her away she wouldn't start. She'll fire a couple of times and then just die.

There's a good spark. I took the carb apart and checked the float chamber, full of fuel, blew through the fuel way to the jet and there's no blockage. Possible loss of compression? I put my hand over the carb inlet whilst cranking the engine and there doesnt seem to be a lot of suction. Can a head gasket just go like that? What about a stuck valve?

Any help gratefully recieved

thanks

Culp

[MarkyB]

Has it got a servo fitted?
If so, check the pipe hasn't split.
Did you cover the carb mouth with your hand or the air cleaner?
If the latter, try the former.
Stuck inlet valve maybe.

[bmcecosse]

It would still start on 3 cylinders if it was a valve - which is highly unlikely on an engine that has been running! Maybe it's just flooded ? Take the plugs out - ventilate the engine - and dry the plugs.

[kennatt]

turn it over on the starting handle to check compression(if you have one)

[katy]

Is the fuel pump running?pumping?

[culp]

Hmm interesting result. I think it was a combination of two things.

The carburettor piston was sticking so I took it out and cleaned it up and got it moving again

She started but ran as rough as a badger's bum and was only firing on two cylinders. This eventually cleared of its own accord (damp?) and is now running fine! I also discovered that the carb needle was not fitted correctly with the shoulder of the needle too high rather than flush with the surface of the piston, so whilst I was in there I adjusted that and reset the mixture.