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Problems Starting mk3
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Problems Starting mk3
Hi,
I am trying to start a 1973 car that has sat in a shed for about 7/8 years
I have drained old fuel and put in 5l of fresh petrol.
I hooked up a battery and lights work, but nothing happens when I turn the key except the alternator sparks so I unplugged it.
I think, in my very limited experience, that there may be a problem with the earth straps. I have a new set on order.
I also think the starter may be stuck, have tried rocking car in gear.
Any suggestions? Try a push start?? Use jump leads direct to starter?
Thanks.
I am trying to start a 1973 car that has sat in a shed for about 7/8 years
I have drained old fuel and put in 5l of fresh petrol.
I hooked up a battery and lights work, but nothing happens when I turn the key except the alternator sparks so I unplugged it.
I think, in my very limited experience, that there may be a problem with the earth straps. I have a new set on order.
I also think the starter may be stuck, have tried rocking car in gear.
Any suggestions? Try a push start?? Use jump leads direct to starter?
Thanks.
- woody
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Re: Problems Starting mk3
Did the altenator spark when you turned the key to the ignition position or the start (spring) porition.
Did you get any dashboard lights with the ignition on?
Did the motor crank over in the start position?
Did you get any dashboard lights with the ignition on?
Did the motor crank over in the start position?
TECHNICAL MODERATOR
Re: Problems Starting mk3
Hi, not sure on alternator. Will check later.
Yes, dashboard lights came on with the ignition on.
Motor did not crank to the start position.
My, cheap and nasty Lidl, battery tester tells me my battery is in decent condition.
Thanks.
Yes, dashboard lights came on with the ignition on.
Motor did not crank to the start position.
My, cheap and nasty Lidl, battery tester tells me my battery is in decent condition.
Thanks.
- woody
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Re: Problems Starting mk3
Most likely the solenoid , with the key in the start position try tapping it. You should hear it clicking on and off
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Re: Problems Starting mk3
Thanks very much, will give it a try.
Re: Problems Starting mk3
Tried the above this evening, heard no clicking. I forgot to check dashboard lights, but headlights and interior light were on. I will stick the battery on a trickle charge just to be sure it has enough juice.
I re-connected the alternator, and no sparks today.
I re-connected the alternator, and no sparks today.
- woody
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Re: Problems Starting mk3
If the solinoid is knackered you can short the terminals with a big spanner (expect a big spark) and the motor should turn.
TECHNICAL MODERATOR
Re: Problems Starting mk3
Thanks, have the battery out charging. Could I stick jump lead from positive direct to solenoid, and ground other jump lead to engine block? Would that have the same effect? Thanks for all your help.
- Billy
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Re: Problems Starting mk3
Even easier. Just cross the two positive & negative on the solenoid itself with a screwdriver.
I usually fit a push button solenoid to my minis.
I usually fit a push button solenoid to my minis.
Re: Problems Starting mk3
Great thanks guys. Will update ye on how I get on.
Re: Problems Starting mk3
Hi, didn't get the mini started, but am delighted I did get it cranking. Will hopefully get time to have a go again tomorrow.
Thanks.
Thanks.
Re: Problems Starting mk3
Update.
Replaced the faulty solenoid today. Car still cranking but not starting. Didn't even get to check spark, noticed clutch is really stuck. Engine bay is quite rusty in general.
Any advice on freeing clutch?
Should I throw in new spark plugs, leads and condenser and points? Already put in a new rotor arm.
Replaced the faulty solenoid today. Car still cranking but not starting. Didn't even get to check spark, noticed clutch is really stuck. Engine bay is quite rusty in general.
Any advice on freeing clutch?
Should I throw in new spark plugs, leads and condenser and points? Already put in a new rotor arm.
- Billy
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Re: Problems Starting mk3
Re clutch: once you've got car running, turn off engine then put it into first. Keep your foot on the clutch. Turn on ignition. The car will jump forward but keep that foot on the clutch. Usually the clutch will free after a bit. Don't attempt any of this without working brakes and plenty of outdoor space.
Re: Problems Starting mk3
Thanks so much for the advice. I am crippled with a lack of knowledge and talent! Next time I get to car I'll check for a good spark. After that I presume I'll check for petrol getting to the carb.
Thanks Guys.
Thanks Guys.
Re: Problems Starting mk3
Today I checked for spark, go no spark at all. Took off cap and leads and cleaned cap and checked leads for cracks etc. points seemed a little corroded, gave them a quick clean in situ and put all back together.
After this I got a weak spark on all leads. Cranked over a good few times and got a weak cough trying to start once or twice.
What should I try next?
Thanks.
After this I got a weak spark on all leads. Cranked over a good few times and got a weak cough trying to start once or twice.
What should I try next?
Thanks.
- woody
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Re: Problems Starting mk3
If you got a cough your nearly there( or its got the virus ) . put fresh petrol in the carb float chamber and make sure theres oil in the dashpot. Then you say the clutch is locked do you mean the arm won't move at all?
TECHNICAL MODERATOR
Re: Problems Starting mk3
Hi, Clutch pedal is stuck, and in the arm is stuck also, no movement. Ye, hopefully nearly there. Will try the oil and petrol. Do I need a specific dashpot oil? Was using easy start today instead of petrol in the carb, is that ok or is petrol better?
Thanks.
Thanks.
- woody
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Re: Problems Starting mk3
You'll probably find that easy start is giving you the cough but petrol is too old to keep it running. Unleaded petrol loses a lot of its octane rating after a year lying in the tank.
To check if the clutch slave cylinder is seized remove the dust cover and push back the piston with a narrow screwdriver, if it moves than press the pedal again to bring it back out.If it is seized remove it to see if the clutch arm moves freely. If it doesn't move you can try penetrating oil but personally I would remove the wok and dismantle and clean everything.
To check if the clutch slave cylinder is seized remove the dust cover and push back the piston with a narrow screwdriver, if it moves than press the pedal again to bring it back out.If it is seized remove it to see if the clutch arm moves freely. If it doesn't move you can try penetrating oil but personally I would remove the wok and dismantle and clean everything.
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Re: Problems Starting mk3
Update.
Thanks to advice from here got car started today. Added a bit of oil to dashpot and petrol to carb and after a while got it going. Lots of crappy smoke, never made me so happy!
Clutch still stuck, used screw driver to moved it slightly, and tried starting in first and second to no avail. Didn't have time to do much more today. Will remove spring and check movement next time I get to look at it.
I just want to say thanks to the support from here, car wouldn't be started at all without the help here.
Thanks to advice from here got car started today. Added a bit of oil to dashpot and petrol to carb and after a while got it going. Lots of crappy smoke, never made me so happy!
Clutch still stuck, used screw driver to moved it slightly, and tried starting in first and second to no avail. Didn't have time to do much more today. Will remove spring and check movement next time I get to look at it.
I just want to say thanks to the support from here, car wouldn't be started at all without the help here.
- woody
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Re: Problems Starting mk3
Glad to help. The starting the car in gear is only for when the arm is moving but the plate is stuck to the flywheel. Get the arm moving freely first.
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Re: Problems Starting mk3
Forgot to mention that when the car is off I can put it in gear. However when I started it it would not go into gear.
- Billy
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Re: Problems Starting mk3
That's because the clutch isn't working.
Re: Problems Starting mk3
Clutch slave was seized alright. New one ordered.
Re: Problems Starting mk3
Quick update. Am still waiting on new clutch slave. Got a few minutes today and removed the operating lever. When I took it out I was able to rotate the throw-out stop fully and to move it in and out. However when I cleaned and re-installed the operating lever it hardly moves?? Is this normal?
Thanks.
Thanks.
- woody
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Re: Problems Starting mk3
The clutch shaft does not move a lot during normal operation and its movement is limited by the throw out stop and the return stop. Removing the clutch lever arm removed the return stop.
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