It all started with a motor wash.....

[robertverhey]

My '87 SE is ultra reliable, has never missed a beat. But I have been going through hell since I washed the motor last weekend, have spent every evening until dark trying, trying to get it going again. Car cranks over but simply will not start....wondering if there's something really obvious I haven't noticed. So far have:

* Checked plugs and leads, there is a spark, but it's weak (but should be enough to fire)
* tried another AB14 amplifier and checked continuity of wires to distributor
* Pulled out the starter motor and cleaned / rebuilt it (was a bit sluggish, now fine)
* Cleaned all the earth points block to chassis and battery to chassis
* Checked fuel pump delivery, pumps fine
* Checked coil connections
* Checked HT leads (near new)
* Checked the ignition timing, it's okay
* Removed distributor, checked inside and refitted (timing as before)
* Checked the valve clearances, all within tolerances
* Checked the compressions, all okay

So we have fuel, compression and spark at the right time. But there's not even a hint of it kicking in....it just cranks away.

WOT ON EARTH HAVE I MISSED?????

Any ideas no matter how far fetched will be followed up! I am at my wits end......

[Lotus-e-Clan]

erm...rev limiter playing up?

or water in float chambers? . . don't know how it could get in though...maybe through the plastic jet cover...but even so the carbs should be well out of the water "jet stream" so this one might be far-fetched.

[robertverhey]

Thanks Peter, yes certainly checked the float chambers, both had plenty of clean fuel in them.

Rev limiter....yes I did glance at it. Probably worth a try. People have spoken in the past about by-passing it...how do you do that?

Should have mentioned I have an immobiliser, but it's a high quality VDO one that has never played up....and a bugger to get at. And I am getting spark (albeit weak).... But I guess I may have to bite the bullet if no joy elsewhere....

Any other ideas folks?

[alanmoss]

To bypass the rev limiter I think that you just unplug it.

[MrCoolA]

Yep thats right, just un plug her, but make sure you havent got any mats in thta the throttle pedal could get caught under

[hodders]

Swap the battery - yes you said you had a spark, assume you checked the voltages. But a quick check that's worked for me several times when the battery has been borderline.

[robertverhey]

Thanks yes heaps 'a volts and I even hooked an extra one across the starter to make sure the earth connections were sound (but i cleaned latter anyway)....Been charging the batteries up overnight between attempts....

It's gonna be something really obvious that i've been staring at for days!

[amarshall]

Are you sure the spark is a) strong enough and b) at the right time ?
Is it possible that the plug leads are in the wrong order on the distributor cap ?
Could you have the low tension wires the wrong way round on the coil ?

and finally - are you sure that air is getting through ?

[texas2201]

have you checked the starter relay under the dash - that was what was wrong with mine a few years ago when it wouldnt start

also have you checked the coil could you have dislodged the connections this has also happened to me

[robertverhey]

Thanks all good thoughts. Pretty sure all h/t and l/t leads are okay, but I'll check. That starter relay, if it's faulty will it stop it firing? Or cranking all together? Because it cranks away just fine.....

[amarshall]

As I recall, the start relay cuts everything EXCEPT power to the starter, so if it's cranking it should be ok.

[texas2201]

yes your right Angus if the relay is gone it will not crank

[chrisw2811]

Sounds like moisture in an electrical component. Have you taken a look under the bonnet in the dark while someone else turns the starter to see if there is some 'tracking' of the HT - may explain a weak spark? Also, could it be worth trying a bump-start (for example, by towing) to see if this overcomes the reluctance to start?

[robertverhey]

Mystery continues.

Definitely had a fatter spark with the rev limiter disconnected. Next will attack the fuel pump, starter relay and immobiliser and go crazy with a circuit tester in every place I can.

Fact remains it's getting spark, petrol, compression and air...all it needs really!

For now have moved the fecker into the garage. A week in solitary might bring it to its senses.

If any other ideas come to mind I'm receptive, I'm certainly bereft for now!

Robert

[Lotus-e-Clan]

Don't leave it in the garage............dump it in the outback to dry out properly..that'll teach it!