problems starting a laid up '63 minor

[eezpww]

Hi,
I have a 1963 Morris Minor with a 1098 engine. It has been laid up for the last 18 months as I have been out of the country. Now i am back in the UK I have tried to start the car, but it doesnt want to run. Just before I left the UK the fuel pump points failed 9to the extent that the usual hit from a spanner didnt work). I have now replaced the points and now I get a few healthy 'ticks' when I turn on the ignition. With a charged battery the engine turns well, but doesnt run.
One thing I have noticed is that when I am turning the engine I would expect the odd click from the fuel pmp, but I get nothing. I am thinking of a fuel problem, but this is not my area of expertise and I am not sure what to try next. Any advice would be gratefully recieved.
Pat

[mike.perry]

Have you checked the electrics?

[SteveClem]

Stale petrol?

[firehor5e]

egg cup full of fresh petrol down the throat of the carb...As bmcaccose would prob advise ??

[bmcecosse]

Indeed - the petrol in the tank is too stale now - although it will be fine once you get the engine started. Check for spark at plugs? And yes - NEW petrol down the carb throat will tell you if it's going to go electrically.

[eezpww]

Thank you for all the replies, this was very useful. I have now made progress:

1. i have replaced the petrol with new fuel

2. I have replaced the spark plugs

3. The engine runs if I spray 'cold start' down the air intake - I had some around and it seemed easier than playing with petrol

4. The fuel pump works and pumps fuel - checked by removing the fuel line from the float chamber

But the engine will not start or run without the 'cold start'. I am assuming htat this is therefore an issue between the fuel line and the engine, but I am not sure what to do next. I would be very grateful for any advice.

Many thanks,
Pat

[bmcecosse]

It is indeed seem like a fuel flow problem, although it could just be the old fuel, ...so start off with a flow test on the fuel pump. And does the piston rise and fall easily?

[eezpww]

Hi,

Thank you for the reply.

The fuel flows well from the fuel pump - I took off the line that goes from the pump to the float chamber and ran the fuel into a small cup. To start with the line was dry, but fuel folowed after a few clicks of the pump. I removed cup full of fuel to hopefully remove the old fuel from the line.

The piston rises and falls okay when gently pushed up. I am therefore strugelling to know what to do next and what might be blocked. Any ideas?

Many thanks
Pat

[bmcecosse]

Pour some fuel down the carb and crank it - just to prove whether it will run on that fuel -or not.

[eezpww]

Problem resolved - the float in the float chamber was stuck with the needle closed - hence the fuel was not getting into the carb. Started first turn of the handle once this was sorted.
Many thank for all the suggestions, Pat

[bmcecosse]

Most unusual - and well done finding it.