Help!! Car won't start

[jaguar68]

Hi chaps,

I have a problem with starting my '69 1098cc Minor. The battery has been on charge overnight and shows a healthy 12.78 volts on the meter. When trying to start the car, the amber oil pressure light comes on as well as the red ignition light. However, when turning the key all i get is a dull clunk, the starter motor isn't turning.

Any suggestions?

Regards

John

[bmcecosse]

Bad connections - or 'stuck in' starter ? Try turning the engine on the handle - does it turn? Is this after you have been in the timing case ? What were you doing there? If you were fitting a Duplex chain - and you didn't countersink the holes and use c/sunk head screws - DO NOT attempt to turn the engine until this is rectified!!

[jaguar68]

I've had a further look at the engine, and believe that the head gasket has blown, as the side of the block is wet and there is a steadily growing muddly of rusty water running down the road.

what is the proceedure now, and what damage is likely to have been caused to the engine?

Regards

john

[bmcecosse]

Drain the water - and off with it's head........ But first - take the spark plugs out - and try to turn the engine on the handle - does water come out the holes??

[jaguar68]

Hi BMC,

thanks for your swift response. This is the engine which is currently in the car, I now believe that the head gasket has blown, slight evidence of emulsified oil in the rocker cover, engine won't turn on the starting handle

[jaguar68]

ok, plugs out, cylinders 2 & 3 are full of water. Just about to turn the engine over on the starting handle. Watch this space......

[jaguar68]

Ok, engine turns on the starting handle, lots of water ejected from the spark plug holes. I'm just about to brain the block and the radiator.

[jaguar68]

hmmm, there doesn't seem to be any water in the block.

[bmcecosse]

Water in 2 and 3 is ominous - doesn't really stack up to a blown gasket. If the car/engine was left without anti-freeze over the winter...........it may have cracked block or head.....