Conked out

[poppet]

Hi
can we have some suggestions please as we're a bit 'befuddled'.
I was driving Poppy yesterday when I turned a corner to go up hill and she coughed, spluttered and then stopped ---and hasn't started since
She is fitted with a HIFF44 carb.
The plugs are bone dry ie not flooded and therefore this suggests a good spark.
The electronic pump works fine
The petrol lines are clear and the float chamber is as clean as a whistle
The piston and needle move easily

Thanks

[chesney]

Is the pump ticking, and is it apparent whether there is any petrol in the float chamber?

[poppet]

There is petrol in the float chamber and there is ticking from the pump - the pump is definitely working ok

[chesney]

If you're sure it isn't the plugs, head gasket? Compression test may be worthwhile.
Have you checked for a spark?

[poppet]

Will check for spark tomorrow - thanks - if plugs had no spark I would have expected them to be a bit damp with petrol after turning the engine... mmmm
Re head gasket - would I not have had some tell tale signs before that it was going?

[bmcecosse]

It's not going to be the headgasket... Simple test in cases like this is to tip some fuel down the carb inlet - and crank it ! If it starts and runs for a few seconds - then you know the problem is NOT ignition (and your dry plugs already suggests this). . If it still doesn't start -= then it's likely to be ignition related. Few other possibilities are = float valve jammed in the carb , not allowing fuel in; or broken timing chain/dizzy drive etc etc - but these last two are highly unlikely..

[poppet]

The float moves easily but because it is situated under the carb I cannot see easily if the valve is moving. I just assumed because of the float moving that the valve would be?

[simmitc]

Take the HT lead from the centre of the distributor and wedge it with the terminal about 1/4 inch from the block or other good earth point. Ignition on and crank the engine. Is there a spark? If no, then change the condenser. If yes, then replace the lead, remove a spark plug, reconnect its HT lead, wedge the plug to earth; and repeat the cranking test. If no spark, then change the rotor arm. If still no spark from plug, then chnage the distributor cap. My money is on the rotor arm.

[poppet]

We have electronic ignition so no condenser
The plugs are bone dry and the correct colour

[bmcecosse]

TIP IN SOME PETROL !!!

[simmitc]

AND CHECK THE SPARK

It's an A-series so if it won;t run it's either no spark or no petrol. Suggestions above will tell you which is the problem, so please try both routes and report back.

[poppet]

many thanks for your suggestions - here's an update;
just to be sure, replaced distributer cap cover, rotor arm, coil and king lead with spares. Each plug tested and has a spark. At this point still no ignition. Put petrol in through air intake and still no ignition. Plugs wet with petrol. The only thing that occurs to me now is could the timing be massively out (although the clamp on the distributer is still firm and nothing appears to have moved.
Any more suggestions gratefully received
Thanks

[bmcecosse]

It's NEVER the coil !!!! Are the rockers going up and down - have a look through the oil filler.. Otherwise - MUST be a weak spark - unless someone has moved the timing...

[poppet]

just checked - rockers are going up and down.
What is most likely to cause the weak spark please?

[bmcecosse]

Not sure - with electronic ignition...I suppose it may have failed.... Is the coil correct ohms ? (3.2/3.4)). What plugs are you using? Hopefully not NGK......

[smithskids]

Have you done a basic check of the distributor timing? also with an HIF carb check the connection from the breather to the carb next to the fuel inlet pipe.

[poppet]

Do you know of a way/method of testing electronic ignition please?

[bmcecosse]

Lay the plugs out on top of the head and crank it round with the handle - should see them flashing away in turn.... 1342 anti clock round the cap. Plug make ??

[poppet]

Plugs are Bosch

[bmcecosse]

You could try another set - although if these ran before - they should run again! Any chance the plug lead order got mixed up in all the kerfuffle...