38 replies to this topic

[Quinlan minor]

A possible reason is the battery being down due to the failing alternator. I've come across this before, the battery will run the starter motor but not have enough left in it to run the fuel pump.

That'd fit.

Did you charge the battery in the interim or did it just have a good day and give you a reprieve?

[7builder]

A possible reason is the battery being down due to the failing alternator. I've come across this before, the battery will run the starter motor but not have enough left in it to run the fuel pump.

That'd fit.

Did you charge the battery in the interim or did it just have a good day and give you a reprieve?

I've always tried to start it with a jump pack connected so it should have had enough power for the fuel pump.

[humph]

Have you checked the wiring for breaks & loose connections?  I have had few issues with the running on my spi that have been down to loom issues. The engine bay loom rubs at various locations on the bulkhead, throttle body, & inlet and wears through.  I trusted a specialist to find one problem a few years back, after ££££ on new sensors they eventually found a broken wire to the O2 sensor.  

[xrocketengineer]

Well, progress is progress. I would correct the alternator issues before doing anything else. Some basic alternator trouble shooting:

http://www.theminifo...ng-basic-tests/

 

Also clean the earth points next to the servo, since something does not seem to be happy with lower voltage.

[RustyAutoCityE]

Glad you got it started, even if you don't know why.

 

I see it has a Idle switch and Throttle position sensor read out on the fault reader.

 

Do both of these values behave as you would expect when you rev the car, just in case one is a bit sticky (you mentioned it was running fast when you first drove it)?

[7builder]

Have you checked the wiring for breaks & loose connections?  I have had few issues with the running on my spi that have been down to loom issues. The engine bay loom rubs at various locations on the bulkhead, throttle body, & inlet and wears through.  I trusted a specialist to find one problem a few years back, after ££££ on new sensors they eventually found a broken wire to the O2 sensor.  

Hi Humph the wiring loom is a cause for concern for sure as it isn't in good shape at all. Nothing specific but age and corrosion is taking its toll. Spade connectors are corroded and if I strip wires back to make new connections the wires are black not shiny copper coloured. It could really do with a complete new loom but that is out of my budget at the moment.

[7builder]

Well, progress is progress. I would correct the alternator issues before doing anything else. Some basic alternator trouble shooting:

http://www.theminifo...ng-basic-tests/

 

Also clean the earth points next to the servo, since something does not seem to be happy with lower voltage.

Thanks RM I will take a look at the trouble shooting guide. It doesn't have a servo but I know what you mean about earth points so will check them for corrosion.

[7builder]

Glad you got it started, even if you don't know why.

 

I see it has a Idle switch and Throttle position sensor read out on the fault reader.

 

Do both of these values behave as you would expect when you rev the car, just in case one is a bit sticky (you mentioned it was running fast when you first drove it)?

Hi Rusty I wasn't aware of the need to check values whilst revving the engine so only have readings at idle. I'll have to hook the reader up again and give it another go.

[7builder]

Another update after the car reverted back to playing up again. Well today my Son and I decided t remove the inlet manifold and replace the coolant temp sensor as we couldn't get the car to start and neither could I clear the sensor fault code.

It was a fiddly job to remove the manifold but not as bad as I expected and after the swap out and reassembly it started like a dream. So a new pair of A008's for the front end and a new throttle cable and it should be ready for an MoT