Practically Classics Forum

85 Metro Turbo......

New solonoid fitted (has serate starter ands solonoid as per Mk1)
New Battery fitted.

Alarm dissengaged.

Ignition on (OK)
Turn to start fuel pump energises (can be heard), but wont start!.

IIRC The P.O. Did the clutch not long before parking it up (worked for local ARG ), also did starter and ring gear.

Have tried tapping the starter, but no help

Is the engine winding over when you turn the key? If so I'd start simple ie checking for a spark and ensuring fuel is coming through to the carb. If the starter is possibly stuck, put the car in gear and rock it back and forth, may just free the inertia up, usually works

How long since it was last started? Does it have electronic ignition, if not condensor and points would be worth a check

I take it you mean that the starter isn't operating (else why tap the starter?) Check that the engine earth strap is fitted then work your way back from the starter with a voltmeter or 12V test lamp to see whether the starter and then the solenoid is getting volts when you turn the key. If the solenoid has a manual button try operating that. The fault must lie in the starter, the solenoid or the ignition switch or the associated wiring.

My thoughts too.

I have just put it all back together having removed the battery and tray, to clean all the earth points, as well as checking the LT side, HT side and other wiring.

Only thing to do now is check the ignition itself.

It just wont turn.

No multi meter handy at the mo.

Mal.

If the starter is getting power, the lights should dim when you turn the key if it is, then perhaps it is jammed in mesh. Although you say the previous owner changed the starter and ring gear, perhaps the wrong parts were fitted. You shouldn't assume because something is new that it's ok. Another point worth checking is that the static timing is correct. Too much advance will make the engine kick back when the starter tries to turn it. You don't need a meter for any of this, a 12V bulb with a couple of wires soldered to it will suffice.

Use a jump lead directly from the battery to the starter to see if free wheels.
Also as mentioned make sure the earth is fitted its all to easy to leave it off after doing a clutch.

Crossing the solenoid gets her going!.

Issue is some where between the ignition and the solenoid.

HAd to switch off immediately as the fuel line between the pressure regulator and the filter, and the filter to carb feed was full of holes!.

Im just getting over an "Unleaded shower" !.

All flexible fuel lines will have to be changed, manifold gasket is shot, and the dash/ignition system needs work, as it's flashing high temp at half and the fuel gauge shows empty after being filled!.

The P.O. Changed for later clocksjust because the trip on the original set failed! So I will need to rummage around and see if I have any new original spec clock sets for it, then I will have to change the ends on the speedo head and box (I think).

Bag of spanners at the mo,but at least I have now "driven it" into the car port.

Thanks for all the advice, and to Dickie for his call earlier, which put me in the mood to try again.

Mal.

MG Mal wrote:
HAd to switch off immediately as the fuel line between the pressure regulator and the filter, and the filter to carb feed was full of holes!.

Im just getting over an "Unleaded shower" !.

Good way of giving up smoking, if thats any consolation.....
(If you're already a non smoker this doesn't apply)

Accidently knocked the fuel pipe off the minis carb while trying to set it up a couple of days back, fag in hand as per all good health and safety

Damn unleaded jet just put it straight out, no wonder I can't get the thing to run right

It runs now.

problem is you have to "cross" the solenoid to fire it up.

Notgot round to sorting it as yet, due to work and other things, but it's looking more and more like the after market alarm is preventing the ignition from sending power to the solenoid.

Ignition switch on OK

Switch to "start" and nothing.

When running temp gauge works but fuel gauge not.

Mal.