| Author |  Topic  |
scallyrally
V4 Beginner
85 Posts |  Posted - 23 Dec 2009 : 20:50:46  
| Need some help!
recently aquired 95 and was low on fuel but started and drove
added some more fuel ( 5 litres)
started and went for a quick spin down the road parked up and now i cant start it???!
There is a spark at plugs
fuel in fuel filter after pump and before carb
Fuel in carb - weber 34ich
Checked and readjusted points gap to 0.40mm
Have done a quick visual check of timing and rotor is pointing to no 1 plug at 6 btdc on marks
I can feel plenty of compression when turning engine by hand
what else can i check? what should be my next step?
cheers!!
|
|
UK_Sub
V4 Guru
United Kingdom
2558 Posts | Posted - 23 Dec 2009 : 21:18:58
| That's an odd one... you've got a spark and fuel, the engine is turning over, it SHOULD start!?!
Have you tried pouring a bit of fuel down the neck of the carb? The spark may be weak too, have you got another coil you could try? Are the spark plugs covered in fuel (flooded) or dry? If its flooded, I think the procedure is to turn it over with the gas pedal on the floor, slowly raise it and it should start. |  |
|
scallyrally
V4 Beginner
85 Posts | Posted - 23 Dec 2009 : 21:27:55
| Wow quick reply!!
Yeh its got me stumped!
I will try the pouring fuel down the carb neck - it started raining and went dark so i gave up!- do you pour it down while attemting to start?
Spark plugs gave a good spark and looked as if they were covered in fuel
Will get another coil and try anyway
Is it possible to excessivley flood the carb? surely it would evaporate overnight?
Im tempted to reset the timimg and and start again just in case i was wrong with my visual check with the timing - never attempted this before sort of know the rough procedure but would like some clarification
| |
|
UK_Sub
V4 Guru
United Kingdom
2558 Posts | Posted - 23 Dec 2009 : 21:47:53
| Does sound like its flooded (so pouring fuel in won't help!) and if the engine's warm, it shouldn't take long to evaporate - certainly will overnight though. Timing shouldn't effect it starting too much, you could take off the dizzy cover and check the points are sparking?
But you've said you've got a strong spark, so that should rule out dodgy points.
You'll probably find its OK in the morning, but check it's not getting TOO much fuel, which could either be a jet or float problem, see the recent thread on John's carb . . .
http://www.saab-v4.co.uk/speedball/topic.asp?topic_id=1862
Hope you get it sorted, let us know how you get on. |
Edited by - UK_Sub on 23 Dec 2009 21:48:20 | |
|
scallyrally
V4 Beginner
85 Posts | Posted - 28 Dec 2009 : 15:52:00
| Still no joy
have tried a known working coil
rechecked and very slightly adjusted timing as per Haynes to 6 btdc
next i plan to take weber carb off thoughts being that maybe I have pulled up some gunk from the fuel tank anything else specific I should be looking for?
Only other thing i can think of is that maybe the starter is not turning engine over fast enough - so will try a tow start to test
Does it matter if the freewheel is engaged or not to try a tow start? | |
|
UK_Sub
V4 Guru
United Kingdom
2558 Posts | Posted - 28 Dec 2009 : 18:00:48
| Definitely take it out of freewheel, or you won't be able to bump start it.
Also, give the spark plugs a clean and maybe warm them up in the oven too.
Clean the points and make sure they're opening and closing properly.
You could also bypass the carb and pour fuel straight into the neck? A breakdown mechanic will often squirt easystart into the carb to get an engine running.
I was going to say you can sometimes clean any obstruction in the carb by covering the neck with your hand until it almost dies . . . but you need the car running before then!
Good luck and keep us updated!
| |
|
john wyatt
V4 Guru
United Kingdom
1031 Posts | Posted - 29 Dec 2009 : 11:55:22
| | Pick up a can of easy start from any motor factor, remove filter and skoosh it in, sometimes cars will run on this alone without fuel coming via carb, if you are getting a decent spark at plugs I would not mess about with the ignition any further just now, tow start probably wont help if the carb is choked. | |
|
scallyrally
V4 Beginner
85 Posts | Posted - 02 Jan 2010 : 16:31:26
| Tried the easy start - no joy
Think ive fried the solenoid now anyway (bit of smoke!)
and I reckon the starter / solenoid was the culprit as
it was not sounding the best(not that i really know what it should sound like ?!?) - and these were on my list to replace anyway so i might as well replace them now
Looks a pig of a job for access - solenoid off? - where are the bolts holding it on? or jack engine?-to take whole starter and solenoid
any idea of bolt size?
are replacement starters/solenoids easily available or is it a rebuild of the old ones?
Thanks!! | |
|
UK_Sub
V4 Guru
United Kingdom
2558 Posts | Posted - 02 Jan 2010 : 19:06:03
| Is the starter still turning over the engine or just clicking?
Have you got a Haynes Manual? That way you could check the solenoid is wired correctly, ie: the wires aren't shorting etc.
Haynes is ambiguous at best 'unscrew the two starter securing bolts and withdraw the starter motor' - I think they're just half-inch size bolts, but to reach the top one, you either need a socket set with an extension piece (you made need several to reach it), or a universal-joint (ie: bendy) extension. Either way it's a pain and once unbolted, it takes a fair amount of wiggling to remove the whole unit. You shouldn't need to jack up the engine though.
Whereabouts are you? You might be able to get your starter motor refurbished, do a search online or check the ads in the back of some classic car mags . . .
keep us posted on progress
| |
|
scallyrally
V4 Beginner
85 Posts | Posted - 02 Jan 2010 : 21:17:39
| Starter is turning the engine over
but it does seem slow even when jumped to a a running battery
I have already started taking the wires off the solenoid just to check
but even these are a pain to access!
So I thought I would remove the whole starter motor
Im in South Wales and I know there are place that will refurbish the starter - often if available its cheaper just to buy a new unit
| |
|
UK_Sub
V4 Guru
United Kingdom
2558 Posts | Posted - 02 Jan 2010 : 21:44:04
| Does sound like a worn starter then (either worn brushes or loose wires).
Don't know if it would help, but Will 'Madwelshman' might be able to help you out, he lives in South Wales (Milford Haven according to his profile) - despite his username - he's really decent bloke and may have a spare starter . . . I can pass on your contact details (e-mail address?) to him if it would help? | |
|
scallyrally
V4 Beginner
85 Posts | Posted - 02 Jan 2010 : 22:56:14
| That would be really helpful!!
Im in Barry ( Gavin & stacey!) and would gladly cover any costs etc
Its always great to learn more about these cars mechanically and this forum is a great help!
aqua.sparkle@googlemail.com
cheers!
| |
|
john-saab
Administrator
United Kingdom
2679 Posts | Posted - 03 Jan 2010 : 14:14:13
| | Hate to say this..but take the fan belt off and see if you can turn the small bottom pulley on the front of the engine by hand..the balance shaft pulley. | |
|
scallyrally
V4 Beginner
85 Posts | Posted - 03 Jan 2010 : 17:29:30
| Will try taking the fan belt off and turning the balance shaft pulley by hand - Are you thinking balance shaft bearings? Timing gear problems?
there does not seem to be any play in this but have only checked with the belt still on - and according to the cars history the timing gears were replaced by Western Saab in Edinburgh in 2004 - but the car has done less than 1000 miles since and been garaged for the last 3 yrs
I had been turning the engine over by the fan and belt to check the timing marks and resistance could be felt twice during a full rotation which I assume is correct? - Think id better get the compression checked just as part of the elimination process
Ive now both my 95s on the drive but did not really want to start stripping parts off the worse of the 2 as shes in relatively good condition and starts and runs! - but I think i may take off the starter and try - and she also has a lumination ignition systems
so may have a look at swapping this - anyone much info on these ? |
Edited by - scallyrally on 03 Jan 2010 17:37:43 | |
|
UK_Sub
V4 Guru
United Kingdom
2558 Posts | Posted - 03 Jan 2010 : 18:17:26
| Two 95's!?!
About time we saw some pics! | |
|
pchristy
V4 Guru
United Kingdom
1790 Posts | Posted - 03 Jan 2010 : 20:15:59
| The timing gears usually go because the balance shaft bearings are knackered! If they've just replaced the gears without replacing the bearings, the chances are they've gone again! Have a careful read of that history!
Ouch!
--
Pete
"Duct tape is like the Force: It has a light side and a dark side, and it binds the Universe together!" | |
|
| Topic | |
Starting trouble
