Starting - Just want to run something by you all.

So, my van, (78 2.0 FI engine), isn't starting after the winter layoff...(it's been undercover since November)

Battery is fine - fully recharged and holding charge
Fuel in tank
Oil in engine
Fuel pump working
Starter / solenoid working
Spark plugs cleaned - were quite sooty
All wires and FI system ok

So my thought was the only thing left is are the plugs getting a spark. Pulled the cable off the dizzy from the coil, put it next to some metal, tried to start the engine and nothing.

It's a relatively new coil, probably bought it around July 2012, am I missing something else here or has my coil bit the dust. I can't believe it's gone so quickly. How can I test?

 

try the old coil? put another spark plug on the end of one of the ht leads and hold the plug against the tin and check for spark, are all the wires tight on the twin realay? mine winds over but doesn't fire sometimes, it's always that.

 

FI wires are all fine, touch wood, I've never had a problem with all my FI connectors / cable / twin relay, it's always something else.

Will try the plug on the end of a lead tomorrow, was getting too dark and didn't want to loose a plug...

I've got a feeling I won't get a spark, can't believe the coil has gone. I'll see if I kept my old coil and swap them over.

Thanks...

(PS How are you, not been on here for ages - is the Champagne still flowing?)

 

all ok with me matey thanks, hope you sort it.

 

So, little update - no spark at plug or at lead from coil to dizzy.

Have I missed anything else? Ignition system seems to be fine as all other starter bits get power, FI system doesn't really get involved until after it's creating a spark.

So unless anyone has any great ideas I'm off to buy a new coil.

 

Check your points gap, no spark is rarely a coil issue. Can you smell fuel at the exhaust? The FI is triggered by the points, so if the the coils failed it will still be injecting and will flood/ smell of fuel

 

Take a plug lead off - not the king lead and check for spark there.

 

12v feed to coil ok not knocked off?

 

There are test(s) to carry out on coils(s) listed in the Bentley manual mate ,the tests require a multi meter , if you wish I"ll post instructions up here if you wish?

 

There are test(s) to carry out on coils(s) listed in the Bentley manual mate ,the tests require a multi meter , if you wish I"ll post instructions up here if you wish?

 

That would be great, I don't have the Bentley manual...

 

Everyone has covered the basics...

1. 12v at coil? use a multimeter or test light to check.

2. Points gap. Easy enough to check, 0.4mm feeler gauge!!

3. Failed condensor. This is a little harder to check, with the dizzy cap off make sure the points are closed (rotate the engine a little if not) Now switch on the ignition (don't crank the engine) and with an insulated screwdriver open the points... you should see a small spark on the points contacting faces
Be careful doing this test, as a HT shock can hurt... I've had a few that can make you wince (and swear) fairly!!

No spark on the points, swap out the condensor and try again... still no spark and it looks like it'll be the coil!!

 

Double post

 

Turn off battery isolator/immobiliser ?

 

A>convential coil ? ;"check the voltage between terminals one and fifteen if the voltage is less than 9.6v, check for poor dist.points contact >high resistance in the ign switch,or high resistance in the wire that connects the switch to coil term .15 ensure coil feed wires are on proper terminals ,vehicle may run if not ,but will run poorly" Special coil(breakerless system)>primary coil resistance to be checked between terminals 1and 15,the correct resistance should be 0.55 to 0.75ohms>>secondary coil resistance ,check between terms 1 and 4 should be between 3000 to 5000 ohms.

 

Right new coil and now getting a spark but its still not starting.

Could it be the points or timing?

 

Def getting fuel? Give the terminals on the Fi pump, tucked up under the near side rear suspension, I had similar and it was bad connections there, very prone to a bit of moisture. I did also have bad connections on the double relay, looked all connected but one of the pins inside the block connector had been pushed away from its connection while remaining inside the block so looked alright.

 

...... a tap !

 

If its turning over briskly ? and as you say, is getting spark, it needs comp. and fuel, getting those ?could pull plug and see if wet?and the fuel mate ,same stuff left in over lay up ?I mean ,if it were running pre lay up ,should be summit reasonably simples,yup ,could also be points/timing ,may as well have a butchers ,thou if its sparking I would be more looking at fuel/ fuel feed

 

Little update, coil wasn't sparking so now have a new coil which is sparking nice and strong, at both coil and plugs.

Still not starting.

Taking the plugs out after a try and there is definitely fuel on the thread. The engine also smells of petrol after turning over so I'm happy it's getting there...

My next thought is the timing / points so some more investigating to be done in the next few evenings.

Thanks for all your help so far.