New noise / failing performance (not related)

[Flyingchunk]

Ok... (Deep breath)

Supposed to be going away Saturday in the van.

After doing a few bits this week, I took the van for a 10 min drive to the pub tonight.

Glad I did! It's miss behaving....

Here are the "new" issues with torrid history that may help diagnose the cause...

1. Engine running under powered. Just no "omph". Recently fiddled with the dizzy and the leads as the engine wasn't starting. Eventually traced it to the rotor arm. So changed it. Could it be lead not put back on a spark plug properly, so I'm operating on 3 cylinders instead of 4? Doesn't cut out, so it's not a breather pipe. Just feels gutless, and underpowered. Idles fine. 4th feels a bit lumpy.

2. When I pump / rev the throttle, I get a gentle grind / scrape after. I recently removed and put a washer on the reverse switch as it was leaking fluid. I then topped after the box with 1/2 litre of box oil that was missing. I moved the gear shift linkage a bit when adding the oil, could that be it?

On top of everything else this is all I need.

Any ideas gratefully received. I've got two evenings to resolve these if they are going to cause us issues on the road.

Cheers in advance for any replies!

[Flyingchunk]

Anyone?

[CovKid]

Nope. You've got to start from the bottom and work up - do a compression check. Without knowing how the cylinders are performing, it would all be conjecture. If they check out ok, we can help you work through until you nail the problem.

[chrisbeck]

Is the dis cap and rotor correct. Whip off the cap again and make sure everything is in order before you go any deeper

[kevtherev]

re-check the work you have done.

[Flyingchunk]

Ok. You were right....

Both symptoms down to a suspect plug lead not on properly.

Removed two nearest leads to the back of the van, one was barely on.

Removed the plug. Top was blackening not brown like the other one. Cleaned both up, regapped them both, and reinstalled. This time making extra sure they were on, and cleaning and nipping up the end of the leads.

Cracked it... All fine!

So the grinding noise was actually vibration from the rough running going down the gear shaft.

Points I've noted....

Those plugs are DAMN AWKWARD. I looked at the rear two and decided to quit while I was ahead. These bad boys are not like my old Astra.

Anyway... Another drama solved.

Next job... Dropping the fuel tank to investigate smell of petrol.

Thank you so much everyone. I only have the confidence to tackle these things knowing everyone on this site and all the knowledge here is behind me helping me when the bumps on the road come along.

I am at the stage where I am starting to give back too, so I'm not iust a taker.

Cheers to all. Hope to meet you in person one day at some t25 bash.

[what2do]

I had a great big zilch to offer you regarding your woes. Despite that, it's with much joy that I:

1 see that you have resolved your issues,
2 spent 0 pence undertaking the above,
3 had your spirits lifted by the good folk who are there when you need them.

Onwards and upwards.

Ps. Have devilishly gorgeous was Penny in the last series???

[Flyingchunk]

Thanks. The feeling of solving the issue without cost is alone a cause for euphoria.

Ps. Have devilishly gorgeous was Penny in the last series???

Erm... Is this code, or auto complete spelling syndrome?

[kevtherev]

Penny, in relation to your Avatar as a guess.

regarding your tank.
The fuel tank is a complicated set of breathers and separate air tanks.
Simply "dropping it" for an investigation is not on, it's a big job.
Do some research and eliminate all the other reasons for the smell.
Filler tube
breather pipes both sides
breather tanks both sides
sender unit

[Flyingchunk]

Ahhh.... Of course! He meant "how". Penny from Big Bang Theory.

Oh yeah.....!

Well I think it's the tank as I filled up at Tesco the other day (I have to fill up as the fuel gauge is no longer working), it cut out as I frothed up to the nozzle, so I thought I'd top it off again.....

As I did... I hear the sound of running water. Look underneath, there is the fuel dribbling over the back of the tank onto the forecourt.

Could it be anything else?

[kevtherev]

If the fuel is coming from above the seam, then it may well be a loose or perished breather grommit (usual suspect).
Worst case is the tank has rusted through..but I doubt that.

Fixing the gauge would save a lot of money if you are brimming it.
Work on 18 MPG and don't brim the tank.

[mark]

it'll be either the grommet as said or the braided breather hose's, luckily mine was the hose's and is a half hour job. hot water and lubrication for the hose's olive oil worked a treat. can be done without having to move or take off anything.

mark

[Flyingchunk]

I will investigate these possibilities first then, and let you know how I get on.

Any ideas why the fuel gauge isn't working? I figured it just rusted over winter as the tank was empty and moisture could get in.