Yet another "my Chimp wont start" thread

[bob-bobberson]

Hi All,

After trawling through the posts on here (the knowedge really is invaluable) I have hit a dead end trying to get my 450 to start
I recently replaced my PAS pipes, so took off the HT leads and dizzy cap to better get access. I also unbolted the coil, and moved it to one side (left it connected)
Putting it all back together, I cant start it. I did get an almighty spark from the coil mount as I didnt realise it was earthed to the plenum! With that, this is the state of play:

• I have some fuel
• Pump primes when immobiliser off and ignition to II - I can smell it so I'm sure it is reaching the injectors
• I have 12v to the coil when turning over
• I have a spark from the king lead
• The dizzy rotor is ok and turning. The cap is in good nick

The most I have got out of it is a couple of "putt putt" noises when the pump is running, but no real detonation.

I have replaced the HT leads as one was corroded, the sparks are very new too.

It was starting fine until I took things off to get to the PAS pipes, but I cant see what I have done here to make it fail.

My next step was to get RoverGauge out to see if it is getting a signal - I have read on here that you see some RPM when it is receiving a signal back from the dizzy which would confirm the ECU is seeing things. I was tempted to try some easy start in the plenum tomorrow, but not sure that will make a difference.

Can anyone recommend anything else to try?

Thanks!

[Belle427]

Double check all the wires are still attached to the coil.
Remove and dry out the plugs, they may be soaked in fuel.
There is a similar thread running here where the outcome was poor connections to the fuel pump but I'd retrace my steps regarding what you removed/disturbed.

[Englishman]

As above, but when you have the spark plugs out check with at least one that you actually have a spark across the plug (obviously need to earth the body first).

From your description it sounds like you left the leads attached to the distributor cap so the only things you disturbed in the ignition system were the cap and the rotor arm? If so, would start there after the plug check.

[bob-bobberson]

The coil connections look ok, and I assume they're ok as I can see 12v plus a spark on the king lead

I did pull two plugs the other day and they were ok, not flooded - very wary of doing this so i try not to crank too long

When I originally took it all apart, I did take the leads off the cap - they're new leads on there now, so they should be ok. I will try a spark plug out to see if it is sparking.

I'm wondering if it's a lack of fuel, the gauge reads halfway in the last quarter so should be ok i think, but i know they can be inaccurate. Pump is making the normal priming noises.

UPDATE - I just pulled two plugs, one from each side and they were moist with fuel but not flooded? I then put them to ground and cranked - spark was fine. I also tried opening the throttle when cranking to ensure air. The plenum smells strongly of fuel so I assume fuel is getting to the right places

Edited by bob-bobberson on Friday 8th December 10:42

[TJC46]

Have you put the plug leads back in the correct positions on the distributor cap ?

It is very easy to get this wrong. Have you changed any of the leads for new ones. It is a shame but new nowadays new doesn't guarantee anything.

https://www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&a...

Edited by TJC46 on Friday 8th December 12:58

[Loubaruch]

If you have not disturbed the HT leads on the distributor are you sure that you put the HT leads back on the correct plugs, easy to get them wrong!

[bob-bobberson]

Thanks all - car started now. It was the leads, in the wrong positions. I followed the bible image of the order, but as my dizzy is at an angle the image is hard to follow

This is the image I ended up using, matches the orientation

[mcosh]

Symptoms of flooding? Try pull fuel pump relay and crank...see if you can clear with foot to floor, once it catches and does , relay back in. Or take plugs out and leave for an hour till dry.

[PabloGee]

And maybe mark your dizzy cap with firing order.
My new one is blue so a black marker is easy, but a white paint pen maybe if it’s black (Posca is the kids brand)

[sixor8]

This happened to me, the distributor seemed to be a few degrees further round than expected. I've painted a 1 and a 4 on my cap with white paper correction fluid, so removable. Yes I still had some!

[bob-bobberson]

Defo going to put some marking on there, not sure why I have not done this yet..!