Ah, isn't it always the way... got a friend staying for the weekend, thought a nice run out on the forest for a walk and a cuppa, and would you believe it... the bloody thing won't start! 12 months me and Clem have been together, and despite lousy cold idling and mis-firing cylinders, the one thing that he has always done is start. Grrrrr. So, the battery is okay, and the engine is turning over.... but apart from a couple of little attempts to start right at the beginning there is no actual firing. There's a good spark in the points, and there's fuel being pumped into the carburettor.... but the spark plugs are dry. I assume this is going to involve some kind of carburettor related tinkering. Help please! Where should I start?? Or should I just call a mobile mechanic on Monday?
Check for plug leads connected firmly at both ended. If it's turning over OK, just keep cranking over and pump the acc pedal. Unless it flooded
HT Leads are all well connected. I did crank it for a helluva lot of attempts but no firing. Well, a couple of little splutters initially but then nothing. I checked all the connections to the coil and they are fine, as are the 2 wires to the fuel cut off gubbins on the left. With all the attempts at starting, I was expecting the spark plugs to be flooded, but they are dry. Fuel going into the carb but not coming out? It's been sat on drive since last Sunday when we went out for a run across the New Forest. .... so apart from the horrendous wind and rain on Wednesday, nothing unusual and it was running fine last weekend.
Funnily enough that's exactly what we did! Tea usually works, but not today. The fuel gauge is usually quite accurate and it was reading over 1/4 full but I stuck some from the jerry can in anyway. Is the dry spark plugs relevant?
Yes - if you`ve cranked it lots i`d suspect you`d flooded it - obviously not , dry plugs = no fuel getting to the pots ...
Maybe. Try giving the carb a short, sharp shock with a screwdriver handle. Unlikely, but the float / float valve might be stuck.
You are describing either a fuel shortage - sure there is not a blocked fuel filter or similar, or flooding it to start with with too much fuel pumped in when initially stamping on the pedal. Both things may happen one after the other, I managed three things in a hurry the other day. 1. Flooded it 2. Fuel ran out because shutoff solenoid (my own addition for safety) jammed shut on a vapour lock. 3. Ran like rubbish at idle because the idle jets (progressive twin barrel) were both full of dirt. It took about 40 minutes to remove the carburettor, clean it and along the way, pop the suction of the vapour lock.
Sorry chaps was enjoying a sociable ale and curry with afore mentioned visiting mate. Pump 3 times, turn key, and floor it..... Not sure the neighbours will appreciate it but I'll give it a try. Watch this space......
Probably not the best idea after a few ales...... there was a bit of engine turning over and an almighty bang. We ran away.
