7 replies to this topic

[senatorjosh]

I'm 18 and only started driving about a month ago. I was driving up a average sized hill last Saturday and my car began to misfire and then a blue spark came out of the engine and it hasn't started since. I have a basic understanding of cars and electrics and I originally thought it was the ignition coil so I replaced it but it still wouldn't start so I also replaced the distributor cap, the rotor arm, spark plugs, ht leads, the battery terminals and earth cable for the negative and the one connected to the engine as they were really old, also there was a wire coming out of the distributor which snapped so I fixed that, also I replaced all the fuses and I've checked all the other wiring connections to make sure there isn't a loose wire which there isn't I don't think, and I've also tried a fully working battery as mine had died from trying to start the car too many times, have you any idea why it might not be starting?

[senatorjosh]

also I think I had flooded the engine with petrol from using the choke when trying to start it, so i removed the spark plugs and let the fuel vapourise out if this could be anything to do with it

[CMXCVIII]

Where and how did you see the blue spark coming out of the engine? But if you've replaced the coil, did you also replace the condensor?

[senatorjosh]

I saw it from sitting in the drivers seat driving, i haven't replaced the condenser as im unsure how to, would that stop it from starting?

[CMXCVIII]

A blown condensor would certainly bugger things up but I've just realised you haven't said that you checked or gapped the points either.

Changing a condensor is a screwdriver job. If you're not sure about how to do it, or setting the points, a Haynes manual would be a best next buy

But I'm hugely impressed that you saw a blue spark. That's not something I've ever seen. That's a pukka short circuit somewhere! Might have caused all sorts of excitement.

What happens when you turn the engine over on its new battery? Is there a spark at the plugs?

ETA does it turn over? Is there power to the starter motor?

Edited by CMXCVIII, 07 February 2012 - 10:25 PM.

[senatorjosh]

I've been told to look at the points as they could be the problem but i'm unsure as to how to gap/check them.

I have a haynes manual on the way and should be delivered tomorrow so should be able to change the condenser by tomorrow night.

with the good battery in it, it turns over, but the last time i checked before changing the terminals and earths there wasnt a spark

[CMXCVIII]

So you/we are heading in the right direction.

A condensor and even a new set of points are about £5 all in and would be my best next suggestion but I am still "shocked" by your blue spark "shock" story.

[senatorjosh]

yeah, getting there hopefully so i can get back on the road.

i'll change the condenser tomorrow and see if i can get some new points to replace the old ones and see what they do.

blue sparks/flashes are usually high tension so it should've been the coil or leads that it came from, but it could've taken something else out in the process thats what im thinking