Mystery engine not starting

[billymonkey111]

On my drive home from work today the car wouldn't accelerate up hil, in 3rd or 2nd, a hill she has happily gone up before.
The revs climbed but she didn't accelerate, knackered clutch thought me. So I pulled over and sat there for a minute the engine idled.

I got out to see what adjustment could be made to the clutch, but then thought it would be easier to diagnose with the engine running. THe engine would not restart, not at all. THe starter spins her over plenty fast but the first sign of combustion the starter disengages and won't run.

I have just replaced the head gasket so am lothed to think that is might be that which has failed. The trusty thumb over the spark plug holes showed similar compression on all cylinders. there is fuel getting to the carb and Mr.AA's trusty spark tester confirmed the ignition system seems to be working well.

This was about 3 miles in to the journy, when she had otherwise been absolutely fine.

Any ideas at all, even of just what to investigate would be very vey welcome. If anyone is in south Birmingham I can make all the tea and biscuits you can drink if you want to have a look! Thank you all for your help.

EDIT: A detail to add, the engine slows when the clutch is depressed, but she will select gears very happily with the clutch only 3/4s the way depressed, so this is how I've been driving her, an adjustment I've been meaning to get round to. Can't think why this would stop her running at all though.

[panky]

If it's not the ignition system then it must be fuel related, is the pump running OK?

[bmcecosse]

As above - fuel. And sounds like your clutch is indeed slipping - probably now ruined if you continued driving - there MUST be 1" free play at the pedal.

[billymonkey111]

fuel is getting to the carb? Is it likely something's been sucked through and blocked it?

Clutch I can deal with once she's running.

[bmcecosse]

Pour an egg cup of petrol down the carb and crank it....does it run?

[simmitc]

What's the mystery engine? It sounds like a fairly normal one to me

[bmcecosse]

I was wondering that myself...........