4 replies to this topic

[Richy68]

Hi all I just bought a 1979 mini that's been standing for many years. I got it to fie up the other day for a few minutes then. Now every time I try it it won't fire up. I changed the spark plugs and it fired up straight away but was revving high then cut out and now won't start again. I took plugs out again and they stink of petrol has any one got any idea's thanks

[corrado vr6]

Sounds like it's flooded, leave the plugs out for a bit to allow the fuel to evaporate and dry the plugs off with a rag, maybe put a clean cloth over the head to make sure nothing can fall into the spark plug holes.
Whilst your waiting I would check you choke cable is operating correctly and that your accelerator cable is ok and not stuck open, once running you might have to adjust the idle.
Avoid cranking over excessively or for to long so not to damage the starter motor
I would also be checking your getting a spark as your clearly getting fuel, once your happy the fuel has evaporated replace the spark plugs except one and with all the leads connected including the left out spark plug rest it on the head of the engine close to a head nut, then crank it over and look for a spark coming from the spark plug, if there is a spark then it could be timing

Edited by corrado vr6, 25 April 2015 - 10:41 AM.

[Richy68]

Ok thanks I will try that

[dklawson]

You said the car has been standing for many years.  Expect the carb to need attention.

 

Old fuel forms a gum/varnish as it evaporates.  That gum can/will make the float valve stick either open or closed.  Yours sounds like it might be stuck open.  Also, a carb that sits full of fuel can develop gum in the jet and on the metering needle.  That will alter the mixture and/or prevent the carb piston from moving freely.  Finally, the carb's piston has to move freely in the suction chamber.  If the car sat in a damp location you may also find that there is a thin buildup of corrosion on the inside of the suction chamber that is preventing the piston from moving.  All these things can lead to overfueling.  

[mk1leg]

as above give the carb a stripdown and clean..........also flush out pipe from tank to carb........with new fuel.........