16V Not Starting

[j0hn]

Hi,

Having starting problems with my 16v.

I have just replaced a short length of rubber hose from the fuel pump which split the other night.

It was running a bit rough so I stopped to WD40 the HT leads, when I popped the bonnet the No1 HT lead was arcing a bit. killed the engine and WD40'd the dizzy end of the leads - during this the dizzy cap came off as it was only attached by one clip . Got it all put back together (dark lay-by on Boxing Night  ) and all was fine apart from a slight smell of petrol which I put down to unburnt fuel.

However when I got set off again on way to see GF, I noticed the fuel gauge going down fairly rapidly. It then managed to run out of fuel right outside GF's house  . So I left it for the night.

Chucked a fiver in it in the morning and tried to start it, not even a splutter from the engine and petrol pi$$ed out of the pipe from the fuel pump  .

Towed it back to parents and put new length of hose on and another fiver of juice. Tried again and it drained the battery just turning over, not even a splutter again.

Haven't had chance to look at anything yet as it's chucking it down.

Any ideas anyone?? What to check first etc. All help greatfully received.

It was running OK after doin the HT leads, but hasn't even flickered since running out of juice due to split pipe. (Don't think it's crud in the filter or lines - i ran out of juice last month  with no problems)


Cheers

John 

[Mikester]

maybe the dizzy is broken, as it was runnin rough before you found out it wasnt fitted propperly. Plugs still sparking?

[Leon R]

Sounds like a whole load of problems coming together. Sort out the dizzy clip as the cap isn't probably connecting right and is wearing the contacts or not making proper contact on it. I think you need a new dizzy and if its leaking oil as most 16vs do then its well worth it (£60-70 from EuroCarParts)

If your leads are arcing then replace them as a set (£30) Then crank the engine whilst having no.1 spark plug out and touching earth and look for the spark. If it isn't then you have another issue.

I'd recheck your hose clips are tight for the fuel line you replaced and maybe even go into the boot and undo the 3 nuts for the cover of the sender and see if you have any fuel in there.

[Goops]

I had problems starting up my 16v this week after sitting on the drive for 5 days!
I got my bro and mates to push it down the road and did the whole second gear startup...after a few goes she came to life!
I think it was a fuel overflow problem? she starts up fine now!

Dunno if that helps btw!

G

[j0hn]

Thanks for all the advice guys. Got it up and running again 

Took all leads off dizzy, cleaned and WD40'd them. Took dizzy cap off and cleaned all the contacts. Still no joy.

And being stuck at my folks in darkest Cumbria without my tools that was the extent of investigating I could do.

So.... I tried Goops suggestion and got my dad to help tow it down the road. Got it firing after a hundred yards or so  . Was running like sh!te though, but gradually got better as it warmed up. Took it for a good blast out when warmed up and was back to normal  .

Went out in it a few hours later and it was a bit lumpy when cold again, so will invest in some new leads and dizzy cap anyway to be on the safe side.


Thanks again everyone.   

[Idle Duffer]

WD40 is good if you know you've got a bit of water ingress where it shouldnt be.  I've seen numerous cars with missfires etc actually caused by prolonged and excessive use of it.  After a while it goes sticky and attracts dirt to it which then can allow HT voltage to track through the dirt to earth.