Marooned on the Driveway!

[Grin-a-lot]

Well I packed the car for a drive to Portsmouth to scope out the route for the BKCC IOW but the blasted thing wouldn't start!

I've got a spark, I've got fuel and I've got air but its almost like the engine just doesn't "bite" and take over from the starter.  The car was working fine just a couple of days ago and nothing's changed since then.

So I've checked:

HT leads are sound and intact
Spark present (only checked one cylinder)
New (ish) battery; 12.5v at rest
Battery leads all new and title connected
Fuel supply into cylinder, carb jets proved clear
Air filter removed so plenty of air into carbs

I think the starter motor bearings might be a bit worn as it rattles on overrun after a failed start but that's not new so I don't think that's the reason for this new problem.  That said, starting has been becoming more and more difficult from cold so maybe something is degrading.  I've also backed off the advance a bit incase that wasn't helping.

So, anything else that I should have a look at?  New rotor/dizzy cap worth an investment?  Anything else to consider?

Flipping typical that the car has died at the start of a good weather spell!

[foggy]

Hi,
Had the same type of thing with my Hood a few weeks ago,which always up too then,started on the 3rd or 4th turn of the key,I swooped batteries  and with the spare battery it started straight away,I put it down to my old battery maybe loosing a cell and just did'nt have enough to turn it  over fast enough even though my battery tester was telling me the battery was  fully charged

[fullpint]

Go for a jump start to see if that works. If not at least you can rule the battery out.. I had a cell go on mine last month which failed to turn over my little 919cc.. New battery purchased and all is 100% at the mo..

['The Gaffer']

Get a can of engine start spray and blast a little into the carbs before trying to start. If it fires up you can rule out battery and suspect a fuel problem.

[Grin-a-lot]

She lives! New starter motor fitted and jumped from my tin top and she was fine! I'll get the battery checked out just for good measure (it's still under warranty) and I might have to invest in a trickle charger as well.

The new starter does spin better and quieter so a good use of £32 either way!

[fullpint]

  thats great news..

['The Gaffer']

Sorted, glad it worked out.

[YellaBelly]

Similar issue to my Locost a while back. As you say, worth spending the cash. The difference in spinning over with new against old starter was amazing!

Glad you're back on the road

[foggy]

Glad to hear that you got that sorted out.