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Author Topic: Non starter. Anyone recognise these symptoms???  (Read 1126 times)

Offline Rodriguez

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Non starter. Anyone recognise these symptoms???
« on: 12 October 2011, 23:21 »
Hi peeps! Been a while......

Typically my (up to now) trusty 8v has let me down when I need it the most.  Having split with the missus it is now my only transport and now it won't start. :cry:

Ok. If the car is left for over 48 hours it struggles to fire. (spins fine, the battery is new) when it it does fire it coughs and misses for a few seconds, then run with a cloud of blue.  Then it's fine.

However, now I've left it for 4 days it won't go at all! Can't really check anything now as it's dark, but I was wondering if anyone had a plan for the morning as time is short as usual.

It normally runs like a peach  :smiley:
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Offline X4MGS

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Re: Non starter. Anyone recognise these symptoms???
« Reply #1 on: 12 October 2011, 23:28 »
Your blue smoke is probably just oil that's seeped passed the Stem seals, so keep checking the oil level once a week...

Can you hear the fuel pump priming?

When did you last have the car serviced?

when you say you leave it for 4 days does the battery go flat??
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Offline Rodriguez

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Re: Non starter. Anyone recognise these symptoms???
« Reply #2 on: 12 October 2011, 23:40 »
The fuel pump primes and shuts off as normal.  Battery seems fine.  It is new and cranks the engine very quickly. I had the odd splutter this evening, but no running.
  Uses about a  quarter litre of oil every month but hasn't had a change since before last winter.

I have noticed an occasional whiff of fuel recently but as I said, it's been running fine.
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Offline X4MGS

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Re: Non starter. Anyone recognise these symptoms???
« Reply #3 on: 12 October 2011, 23:45 »
Time for new plugs and a service & see if that helps!!

Cant do them any good getting caked in oil every night!!
« Last Edit: 12 October 2011, 23:47 by X4MGS »
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Offline Rodriguez

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Re: Non starter. Anyone recognise these symptoms???
« Reply #4 on: 12 October 2011, 23:50 »
Will do!

Could my plugs be getting fouled up by the seeping oil. Might explain why it runs ok once it's cleared out. (I know I can check this myself really)
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Offline rob.043

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Re: Non starter. Anyone recognise these symptoms???
« Reply #5 on: 13 October 2011, 08:43 »
Does sound like it could be poor ignition from a weak spark, and its easy enough to check the plugs so start there. If they need replaced, whack a set on, if there is still no joy check for a spark when you turn the engine over, holding a plug against the head (make sure your insulated), two people needed for this obviously. Then check if its getting fuel- take a sniff at the exhaust after trying to start it, and/or check if the plugs are damp with fuel... you'll soon start ruling out either the ignition or fuelling side of things. good luck
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Offline Rodriguez

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Re: Non starter. Anyone recognise these symptoms???
« Reply #6 on: 13 October 2011, 09:34 »
Amazing how panic can fog the rational brain  :laugh:

Thanks for the advice fellas. Banged some new plugs in..... even made it to work on time!

Happy dayz, for now
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