Starting Problems

[jonboy_9999]

OK – so hoping someone can help with some ideas, as our 1965 Minor 1000 refuses to start. She last ran about 3 years ago. Not sure where this should go as this is my first forum post, so plumping for “General Discussion”, but mods please feel free to move to another section if appropriate.

We have:
- New condenser, coil and points
- Engine turns over well (battery OK and fully charged), and spark plugs (also new) produce a good blue spark when temporarily earthed against the outside of the engine
- Firing order is correct (1-3-4-2).

We therefore conclude that the ignition side is working OK, and move to the fuel side…
- Used the fuel pump to drain the tank, and put in a gallon of fresh unleaded (cylinder head OK for Unleaded) – conclude fuel pump OK
- Vacuum advance pipe broken, so sealed airtight at connection to carb end
- Brake assistance vacuum is also disconnected and airtight sealed at connection to carb end
- Float chamber fills nicely with fuel when ignition is switched on
- Carb has been cleaned, blown through (no issues) and reassembled
- Choke cable functioning, and opened (pulled) for cold starting
- Dashpot oil OK

And yet – no go. The closest we’ve got is to a couple of fires on one of the starting attempts, but nothing more. Popping the plugs out reveals fuel on the plugs, so we assume it’s getting into the cylinders. We’ve also tried a richer mixture (just to get it started), but no luck. Been working through it with a mechanic friend for most of today, so slightly frustrating.

That’s it for this evening – perhaps with some suggestions on here, we might have some more luck in the next few days… Any help gratefully appreciated.

Cheers,

JonBoy

[beero]

I'm guessing the plug leads are one or two positions out. Determine TDC on no. 1 cylinder when both valves are closed, not when exhaust closing / inlet opening. Then make sure the rotor is pointing to the dissy cap where you have no. 1 lead plugged in.

[bmcecosse]

As above - plug leads not correct. Note it is indeed 1342 - ANTI clockwise round the dizzy cap. And of course - #1 lead must be on #1 plug at the right moment! The plugs are now 'flooded' - so they will need to be dried off - and spin the engine over with plugs out to get rid of the fuel. So - check the lead order and then move them round till it starts.

[simmitc]

Agree with the above, but if that doesn't work, check compression just in case there are some stuck valves. Also, are ALL plugs producing a good spark, or did you just check one?

[jonboy_9999]

Thank you to all - very strange but changed nothing and tried again this afternoon (first time after last night) before taking it apart again to try the suggestions - it started second time. I don't understand, but pleased it is going.

The only possible cause may be the battery, although as previously stated it turned the engine over well. However, I left it on charge all last night, and even though the charger gave the same indication of fully charged as yesterday (and speed of cranking seems the same), it started. Don't know if that was the issue, or just a coincidence.

Did also check the compression in the end - I don't have a tool for testing, but putting rubber gloved thumb over the spark plug hole seemed to generate quite some pressure when the starting handle was turned slowly, so presume that was a good enough test...

Thanks for the comments on here - I now understand how to find TDC and to check the firing order etc. Will be very useful in the future I'm sure.

[bmcecosse]

At least all that churning would get oil round the bearings before it started.....