Starting problems

[vanhatter]

Bit of an update:

So, the ends do just come off and the plugs now fit nicely in the caps (in case it wasn't glaringly obvious already, I'm learning absolutely everything as I go along). All spark plugs changed with new caps fitted.

I tried starting the van, it turned over nice and quickly (the van was actually moving about) but it wasn't starting up. I double checked the lead positions (https://club8090.co.uk/wiki/Pe ... ring_order in case anyone else finds it useful) and that the rotor arm was on properly (it was), tried again and it fired up first go, and the time after that. Will check it tomorrow morning to see if it starts first time.

MOT is now due, so providing it still starts up ok I will give cleaning of the starter motor connections / replacing the bush a wait until after MOT is sorted.

Thanks for all the help so far!

[vanhatter]

Bit of an update #2 (for those interested):

the day after my last post, I tried starting the van again (just to make sure all was still well) and got nothing. It turned over, but slowly. I looked up online how to do a load test with an ordinary multimeter (disconnect the king lead from the distributor cap, put then check the voltage on the battery as you try and start the van. Varying advice on what voltage should stay above, either 9.6 or not more than a 2v drop from before turning the key. Anyway, my batt went down to 9v.). Luckily it was in year 3 of its 4 year guarantee, so I picked up its replacement today. After fitting, the van was turning over nice and quickly but still not starting. I tightened up the spark plugs which I'd put in last weekend (think they had come loose) and that did the job.

Now to see if I can figure out why the horn isn't working before I get it to an MOT place.

cheers

[CovKid]

So it was the battery then. Glad you got it sorted.

"Sounds to me like old plugs, a battery not in its youth, and general neglect. If you've got fraying/corroded cables under there, it won't help. Pictures would be good."

[vanhatter]

Yep, you called it CovKid. I would have done a load test earlier, but didn't want to buy another bit of kit and didn't realise you could just do it with a multi meter. Anyway, I'll check it again tomorrow *fingers crossed*.

Oh, and the earth terminal for the horn had fallen off the steering column. Nice and easy fix.

Cheers!