35 replies to this topic

[minimayfair85]

please help my austin mini wont start. battery isnt flat, have checked dis cap, plugs and leads. it turns over but woont go the final step of the way. it is making a strange noise from the dis area. Please help me!!!

[leroy26]

has it got points or electric dizzy?

[Artful Dodger]

more info required:P has it been sitting? has it been in a barn for 1000000 years?

but some general checks to see why some engine systems are not functioning.

: check you got a spark.

pull out a spark plug and put the HT lead back on. hold it with insulated pliers and get someone to turn the engine over. you should be able to see if there is a spark. if you cant, ( for some reson) hold it very close to the block and you shoukld see the spark jump from the plug to the block. if there is no spark, engine isnt going to run :)


: is there fuel getting to the carb?

pull off fuel line, turn engine over. should have fuel come out of the line.



and if there is both of those and it still dont work then it will require some more indepth analysis.

Edited by Artful Dodger, 14 October 2012 - 04:38 PM.

[Noah]

There are standard checks to get a car running.

The battery may not be flat but unless it has 12v of power it wont start the car, check that if you have a multi-meter if not jump start it, if that doesn't work make sure that the ht leads are in the correct firing order I think its 1-3-4-2 (working from the right hand side so far right is number 1 cylinder) correct me if I'm wrong.

If thats okay, check the ignition is linked to the starter motor.

Make sure it has fuel

Turn the key and it should start.

[minimayfair85]

Hi I've just.testing both and are fine. I've been using the car everyday and had been starting fine. Shes had new battery new alternator New dis cap points leads etc all done by garage and had been fine.

[Artful Dodger]

He said battery is good, if it turns over it can't be the starter motor 8)

And 1342 is correct as is no.1 being far right closest to the rad

[minimayfair85]

Leads are in the correct position as take them off one at a time. Have you got any other ideas. Thanks. Beccy

[Noah]

Leads are in the correct position as take them off one at a time. Have you got any other ideas. Thanks. Beccy

Okay, has it got fuel?

If its got fuel, if you have a socket set, being a mini owner you should, whip the spark plugs out and if they're damp, it could be flooded. In the event of that take them all out and take the dizzy cap off. Then crank the engine over and hopefully it should spit out any fluid in the cylinders.

If they're dry but very dirty take a wire brush too them or if you have a set handy, replace them, also check the condition of the points in the distributor and while your at it the ignition timing (incase you don't know its the point at which the spark ignites the fuel) a Haynes Manual will have the specs your engine requires.

The main things to check are.

Power: Battery Needs at least 12v
Stater: Make sure that the ignition switch is attached to the starter motor. (As its cranking then it is)
Spark: A spark tester or just take the 1 spark plug out rest it ontop of the engine and crank it and ask someone to check too see if theres a spark
Fuel: Fairly Obvious really.

Edited by Noah, 14 October 2012 - 05:50 PM.

[Artful Dodger]

? If you do what I said you should be able to diagnose the problem ?

[minimayfair85]

Yes plenty of fuel! Did test using the top fuel line from float valve should anything come out of the other

[minimayfair85]

Have got sparks from plugs took top fuel line off the float and plenty of fuel came out

[leroy26]

has the dizzy slipped?

[minimayfair85]

How do u mean?

[Noah]

Have got sparks from plugs took top fuel line off the float and plenty of fuel came out

It sounds like your ignition timing is out then (the point at which the fuel is igniting) you can set this by turning the distributor to align with cylinder one. They're are plenty of guides and the Haynes Manual will help. If you want a Photocopy PM me.

Edited by Noah, 14 October 2012 - 05:52 PM.

[minimayfair85]

How do I tell if its slipped dis cap is on correctly and so is rotor arm