1984 1.9 petrol won't start! Help please!

[MollyMole]

I'm a complete newby and bought a 1984 1.9 petrol about a week ago.

Started first time no problems on viewing and pick up (on the trip back made a few stops and had no starting problems)
The van has since been parked on a driveway and now won't start a week later.
It turns over on the starter motor (and all seems fine) but doesn't fire up. I have checked the connections, cleaned out the distributor head and attempted to check the plugs but to no avail as I can't seem to free them. I bought a 16-21mm spark wrench, which I believe to be the correct tool and the connection on turning seems to be fine but they just won't budge!

Any suggestions on how to check the plugs? Am I right in thinking that this is the problem? Is there anyone nearby to Kingston that would come and give me a helping hand?

[itchyfeet]

if it worked a week ago unlikely spark plugs so I'd do some other tests first and come back to removing plugs later.

first I'd do is chuck a table spoon or two of fuel down carb to see if it fires at all.

[lodgey62]

If it's not firing at all it sounds like a definite break somewhere in the ignition system,low tension lead on the coil not connected or bad connection????mine ran really rough about 2months ago that was the ignition amplifier(little black box thing)have you put a plug on the engine to see if its sparking?

[MollyMole]

have you put a plug on the engine to see if its sparking?

At the moment I am unable to get the plugs out!

[MollyMole]

first I'd do is chuck a table spoon or two of fuel down carb to see if it fires at all.

Can you run me through how to do this safely?

[captain Byrne]

Do you have any breakdown cover? If so, give them a bell.

[Ramsden15]

I am no mechanic but my girlfriends van seem to have developed most faults since getting her

Usually if its turning over ok then its either fuel or spark. To check fuel I would take the air filter off, remove the fuel pipe to the carb, at the carb, put it in a clean container and ask someone to turn the van over. this will check that fuel is getting to the carb or you have a fuel pump/supply problem.

If fuel comes through, put the pipe back on. You could try pouring a spoon full down the top of the carb and turning it over again.

To check spark, ideally take each spark plug out in turn, leave connect to the HT lead, touch the engine with the spark plug body and turn the van over to check there is spark. Again someone helping turning on the ignition is needed. A warning though, holding the HT leads should not cause you to get electrocuted but you can if they leads are knackered. So try and use an insulated tool to hold the HT lead.

If you can't get the plugs out for some reason you can check the ignition system with another spark plug on each HT lead, this doesn't check the spark plugs you have though.

I would do the ignition test first, so that you don't leak any fuel on the engine then set it on fire with the spark

[kevtherev]

if it worked a week ago unlikely spark plugs so I'd do some other tests first and come back to removing plugs later.

first I'd do is chuck a table spoon or two of fuel down carb to see if it fires at all.

yes .. this ^^

a leaky fuel pump diaphragm/hose will allow the fuel to return to the tank.


... they don't like being ignored.

[itchyfeet]

I am no mechanic but my girlfriends van seem to have developed most faults since getting her

Usually if its turning over ok then its either fuel or spark. To check fuel I would take the air filter off, remove the fuel pipe to the carb, at the carb, put it in a clean container and ask someone to turn the van over. this will check that fuel is getting to the carb or you have a fuel pump/supply problem.

If fuel comes through, put the pipe back on. You could try pouring a spoon full down the top of the carb and turning it over again.

:

if you do the petrol pipe into the jar experiment disconnet the coil black wires first.

[The Bishop]

It could be a weak spark. Mine was sparking yellow. Connected up with jump leads to another car and it started. After a week you could (but shouldn't) have a low battery if it is in poor health.

Either put the battery on charge or try jump starting.

[Smiffo]

first I'd do is chuck a table spoon or two of fuel down carb to see if it fires at all.

Can you run me through how to do this safely?

I would go with that suggestion too. My van used to do as you are experiencing, and it was the fuel running back to the tank when left standing.
Try Itchy's suggestion first.



In the photo you will see the yellow sticker.
That is what some call the `pancake.`

Unscrew the nuts on top. You will either have 3 or 1, depending on which carb you have.
Once opened, put some fuel into the carb via the hole you will see under that pancake. I usually put 2 or 3 table spoons, but won't contradict Itchy's advice.

Turn the van over, and see if it at least tries to start. If it does, and/or starts then dies a few seconds after running, then repeat process until the pump has had enough time to pull fuel up from the tank. You will know when this happens as the van won't stall / dies anymore.

Saftey wise, be very carefull not to spill petrol on the engine - especially when hot. Also, don't leave the fuel container in the van when trying to start it.
Put it safely on the floor, so it has no chance of spilling when you are in the front trying to start her up..!!