15 replies to this topic

[asmith88]

Not a mini, reliant robin 848cc 1974, but the same engine I think

Checked the spark plugs and pulled the fuel pipe of the float barrell,

Turning over fine, but absolutely nothing in terms of firing up.

Any ideas, it was starting and driving fine last week, and has just been sat for a few days so I can hardly see a compression problem?

Any ideas appreciated

[Carlos W]

Pour a thimble full of fuel down the carb, if it starts briefly you have a fuelling issue

[asmith88]

Thanks Will try that, I did try squirting brake cleaner down the carb to check if it was fuel, but nothing at all. probably wont get at it until wednesday night though, why would that happen if fuel is pumping through to the float chamber though

[Carlos W]

Sticking float, blocked jet

[asmith88]

Ok thanks, would the brake cleaner not have fired it a bit?

[Carlos W]

Ok thanks, would the brake cleaner not have fired it a bit?

 

It probably should've, did you have the throttle open?

[asmith88]

Yea

[cal844]

Brake clean should work.. Is the engine the standard reliant unit??

[asmith88]

yea everything is standard, im not 100% sure what type of engine it is. i just know it seems a very similar set up to the minis i have had before. Sorry ill point out that the accelerator wasnt pressed, so when i was spraying it the throttle may not have been open 

 

but would it not still let enough in to at least chug it? there is absolutely nothing from it

[dklawson]

Brake cleaner may or may not burn well enough to use as a test.  Over the years there have also been safety warnings about not burning brake cleaner so my advice is not to use it for this purpose.  Try the thimble of gasoline down the carb throat instead.  

 

The other possibility is that the float valve is not stuck closed... but stuck open which will allow too much fuel into the carb.  Again, try the thimble of gas and then check the plugs to see if they are wet with fuel if it doesn't start.  

[Captain Mainwaring]

Brake cleaner may or may not burn well enough to use as a test.  Over the years there have also been safety warnings about not burning brake cleaner so my advice is not to use it for this purpose.  Try the thimble of gasoline down the carb throat instead.  

 

The other possibility is that the float valve is not stuck closed... but stuck open which will allow too much fuel into the carb.  Again, try the thimble of gas and then check the plugs to see if they are wet with fuel if it doesn't start.  

 

 

 

Hehehe....we discussed this - brake cleaner in the UK isn't the toxic stuff that may be available in the US - whether it burns well enough to give good combustion remains to be seen.

 

As an aside, if you are stuck - Axe body spray will start a big diesel that's a bit sluggish starting.

 

Drop of petrol down the pipe would be the most logical thing in the first instance.

[andy159]

 

Brake cleaner may or may not burn well enough to use as a test.  Over the years there have also been safety warnings about not burning brake cleaner so my advice is not to use it for this purpose.  Try the thimble of gasoline down the carb throat instead.  

 

The other possibility is that the float valve is not stuck closed... but stuck open which will allow too much fuel into the carb.  Again, try the thimble of gas and then check the plugs to see if they are wet with fuel if it doesn't start.  

 

 

 

Hehehe....we discussed this - brake cleaner in the UK isn't the toxic stuff that may be available in the US - whether it burns well enough to give good combustion remains to be seen.

 

As an aside, if you are stuck - Axe body spray will start a big diesel that's a bit sluggish starting.

 

Drop of petrol down the pipe would be the most logical thing in the first instance.

 

in the uk axe is called lynx and theyre on offer at asda at the moment

[Rog46]

I've always used "Cold Start", works every time!

But have you checked for a spark? If it isn't a fuel issue then ignition is the next place to look!

[JacckKirk]

Had a similar problem turned out my float was jammed closed & carb jet was stuck
Try easy start should at least have it firing

[dklawson]

Hehehe....we discussed this - brake cleaner in the UK isn't the toxic stuff that may be available in the US - whether it burns well enough to give good combustion remains to be seen.

 

Yes, we have discussed it before.  You will notice I only mentioned safety as a side note. 

 

Many aerosol sprays can burn.   However, with gasoline in the tank and since the engine was designed to burn gasoline that is what I would try.