Its spring and my T25 won't start

[Shakepear]

Hi
I have a T25 petrol water cooled, purchased last September and tidied up over the winter, its now looking good and ready for Easter in Scotland. But It won't start, where do I start as I've no experience in engines but I take the view if you run a VW you must learn!
So battery charged, fuel in the tank engine turning over but nothing, cleaned the spinning thing in the distributor (it needed that). I can't smell petrol at the engine which I did expect given the number of times I have tried to start it.
I have 3 options Garage - John Handley Motors of Preston (did a very good job on the welding this winter). Join the AA or DIY. I would prefer the DIY approach as its cheaper and more satisfying.
Any pointers or do I just keep looking at engine pictures on the internet and reading how to articles.

Many Thanks
Dave

[Woody49]

I have just been through the same challenge and there is a wealth of info on this website plus some very helpfull experts, so self help is the best way.

More info needed on what your van is, carb type, fuel system, ignition system etc, a picture of the engine bay might reveal this if you don't know.


Read up on compression, ignition, fuel and timing in the forum and archive and you will likely come across the answer.

If I can help I will - check your compression, check your spark, check fuel is going into the carb, check your timing and it should start if not call in the experts.

Woody

[Ian Hulley]

Fresh petrol might be a good starting point.

Oh and welcome to the forum btw

Ian

[Nij]

WHS (Ian)

For a engine to start, you need, fuel, air and a spark.
If your new to engines, then TBH you need someone with a little know-how to show you as it can be VERY dangerous even though to check for all three are relatively easy.

Perhaps your garage is happy to show you?

[Ian Hulley]

Do NOT start meddling with carb settings or ignition timing ... these do not change themselves over winter to spite you.

Ian

[Shakepear]

Thanks people

Next step new spark plugs and leads but which plugs Halfords (the devils own shop hope know one works there) seem to have there own codes I want some either Bosch W7CO or W7DTC or NGK 3172 or BP6ET or Champion N7BYC. Shakespear is a 1915cc water cooled 78PS DG engine.

I'm learning fast so back to Halfords.

[CovKid]

If its been stood, fuel line will be devoid of fuel. You probably won't get the pump going fast enough on the starter. With ignition off, splash some petrol (eggcup full roughly) down the carb throat. Try and start it now. It'll probably kick into life then die. Repeat until fuel comes through. Its the same scenario if you run out of fuel - saves totally flattening the battery trying.

[andisnewsyncro]

Thanks people

Next step new spark plugs and leads but which plugs Halfords (the devils own shop hope know one works there) seem to have there own codes I want some either Bosch W7CO or W7DTC or NGK 3172 or BP6ET or Champion N7BYC. Shakespear is a 1915cc water cooled 78PS DG engine.

I'm learning fast so back to Halfords.

Buy your new plugs & leads from Brickwerks (and anything else to be honest - it'll save you a lot of grief in the long run..) Good luck with it all and take your bank manager out for a beer

[Nij]

I run NGK BP6ET's (3 electrodes)

[1664]

I run NGK BP6ET's (3 electrodes)

So do I but only because I can't get the Bosch or Champion ones specified in the Haynes Manual. They are an equivalent though according to here http://uk.sparkplug-crossreference.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Ian Hulley]

With ignition off, splash some petrol (eggcup full roughly) down the carb throat. Try and start it now. It'll probably kick into life then die. Repeat until fuel comes through. Its the same scenario if you run out of fuel - saves totally flattening the battery trying.

EXTREME CAUTION should be exercised doing this ... the burns unit awaits the careless

Ian

[Shakepear]

Friends

Having spent the afternoon reading I realise I know nothing about engines, although I can now spot a carburettor! and I now know spark plugs have many codes none of which match the original hand book.

So its a professional garage for the bus.

I have ordered a Haynes manual and will upgrade parts before it becomes an emergency and one day I may be able to give advise to novices like me.

Assuming all goes well its Scotland for Easter and a long cool summer touring the UK and may be further afield.

Many thanks

[Nij]

I run NGK BP6ET's (3 electrodes)

So do I but only because I can't get the Bosch or Champion ones specified in the Haynes Manual. They are an equivalent though according to here http://uk.sparkplug-crossreference.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I have always used NGK's in everything I have run (they sponsored my rally car too, so I guess I kinda feel loyal)

[Ian Hulley]

Come along to a club meet, many members will be able to give you the benefit of their experiences and introduce you to your van.

Ian

[Shakepear]

Hi I did it, Thanks for your help
I read all the comments and decided to call a garage but one last try. One note quite rightly suggested lack of petrol and put petrol in the carb, not too sure about that so i scaled down the advise and got some easy start, found the air intake sprayed and tried to start her - a slight murmur so repeated the process about 5 times then she caught hold and held. Left her running for a few mins whilst i cleaned up. Turned her off and back on again and she fired. Sounded good a little white smoke (one for another day), so roll on Easter.

Easy start - nearly as good as Jack Daniels

Many thanks