300CE WBX Repair

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300CE
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Re: 300CE WBX Repair

Post by 300CE »

Air box cleaned and K&N washed and re-oiled:

ImageUntitled by Justin C, on Flickr
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300CE
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Re: 300CE WBX Repair

Post by 300CE »

At long last, managed to get the engine back in today. Also fitted the new exhaust as well, however, slight problem in that the van does not want to start! My thoughts are that it could be the starter motor as it was turning over very slowly and not doing enough to pull the fuel through as there was no petrol showing in the filter under the van.

Sucked fuel through and the filter filled up, also poured a little fuel down the carb but this didn't do anything either (starter still turning slowly) - engine didn't even sound like it wanted to go. Swapped fuel pump over to one i know works, but still nothing. Before i spend money on a new starter motor (which to be fair she needs anyway), is there anything else that may not have been done correctly or that i should try or do you think is nailed on starter motor?!?! Just to clarify the van has had no action since February.

Here's a couple of pics for you in the meantime:

ImageUntitled by Justin C, on Flickr

ImageUntitled by Justin C, on Flickr

ImageUntitled by Justin C, on Flickr

ImageUntitled by Justin C, on Flickr
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937carrera
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Re: 300CE WBX Repair

Post by 937carrera »

Obvious stuff

Ignition timing, is the rotor arm pointing at the notch on the dizzy when you think number 1 is at TDC (i.e not 180 degrees out)
Are you getting a spark.

If neither of those then I think the blue paint must be the problem :wink:

I'll get me coat :)
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Re: 300CE WBX Repair

Post by DoubleOSeven »

If it's had no action since Feb., stick the battery on charge over night or some jump leads from another battery then have another go with 10ml fuel down the Venturi again. (enter blue paint gag here)
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300CE
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Re: 300CE WBX Repair

Post by 300CE »

Haha!! Cheers 937, TDC and rotor set as per Haynes, but will double check - haven't check for spark or actually had a look at the plugs. Just wanted to get a to do list, prior to changing starter motor.
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Re: 300CE WBX Repair

Post by 300CE »

DoubleOSeven wrote:If it's had no action since Feb., stick the battery on charge over night or some jump leads from another battery then have another go with 10ml fuel down the Venturi again. (enter blue paint gag here)

Thanks DoS!! Battery was fully charged and has plenty of oomph, the starter motor has never been that great but has always managed to get the van to start. I had to use a hammer on it this time just to get it to turn.
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Re: 300CE WBX Repair

Post by 937carrera »

Not for now, but isn't there something missing from the Dalek cap ?
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300CE
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Re: 300CE WBX Repair

Post by 300CE »

937carrera wrote:Not for now, but isn't there something missing from the Dalek cap ?

Yep, the connector pipe is missing - it's just temporary as i need the engine to start so i can bleed the system properly.
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itchyfeet
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Re: 300CE WBX Repair

Post by itchyfeet »

Unlikely to be old fuel as a cause it's not been there that long.

have you checked you have compression? sometimes if tappets are not adjusted right you have no compression.

go through the timing basic set up here...again.

http://forum.club8090.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=37&t=163388" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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T25Convert
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Re: 300CE WBX Repair

Post by T25Convert »

I feel your pain - nothing like building an engine and it not starting to give you a funny sinking feeling!

I'd check for a spark, as if fuel down the carb doesn't make it cough/bang/fart, then suggests no spark to ignite it.
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300CE
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Re: 300CE WBX Repair

Post by 300CE »

Cheers for the input chaps!!

I’ll check for compression first just to rule out the tappets - will re-check the timing & I’ve also got a spark plug tester that fits over the plug and lights up when it’s sparking so can rule that out as well.

It’s probable I can only do it this weekend so will provide an update once done!

Keep those fingers crossed!

Cheers,

Justin
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T25Convert
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Re: 300CE WBX Repair

Post by T25Convert »

There is a method in the Haynes I believe that allows you to test for a spark without the hassle of having to turn it over.

Involves using a paper clip in the three pin connector on the side of the dizzy and striking it against earth (sorry, cant remember which pin - middle??). Test the king lead output first in case you have cap/rotor issues.
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300CE
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Re: 300CE WBX Repair

Post by 300CE »

Cheers T25, will check that out! I did have a thought this afternoon in that I only hand tightened the spark plugs and didn’t finish off nipping them with the ratchet - couldn’t be as simple as that could it?!
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T25Convert
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Re: 300CE WBX Repair

Post by T25Convert »

300CE wrote:Cheers T25, will check that out! I did have a thought this afternoon in that I only hand tightened the spark plugs and didn’t finish off nipping them with the ratchet - couldn’t be as simple as that could it?!

I hope it is, but suspect it isn't! You might still expect some sort of coughing and spluttering even with loose plugs/low compression/crap timing.

Things I have done wrong when doing the same as you (not all at the same time, I'm not that bad at this!))

Reversed coil low tension connections.
Got timing waaaaay out.
Got two plug leads (1&2) the wrong way round.
Had a flat enough battery that it made a spark so feeble it only limped across the plug gap.
Left the rotor arm out.

All have proved head scratching moments.

So now when it doesn't start i check for spark, then lob a bit of fuel down the carb throat. If it coughs at least you know it's all working, just need to sort the time it all happens. If nothing then it's time to check compression and look for other causes.

I found a set of jump lead direct to the starter helps give it the extra ommpph needed to get it to beat the tighter new engine if wiring or starter are a bit tired.
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300CE
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Re: 300CE WBX Repair

Post by 300CE »

Makes perfect sense T25 - I have another starter motor I bought some years back in the garage so will be swapping this over as well as replacing the solenoid and tidying up the wiring. It’s a job I need to do anyway so might as well get it done now!

Then it’ll be a case of running through the checklist above - I have a new rotor and dizzy cap fitted along with new plugs.

Thanks again all :ok
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