Problems starting after winter lay up. New plugs and rotor arm fittted and distributer cap looks good. Turning on the starter there is a good blue spark, and a smell of fuel from the exhaust and on the plugs. Lumination ignition has been fitted for some years, and after a couple of turns the engine fires but cuts as soon as the starter is released. Trying a tow start the engine turns but does not fire. Any ideas please?
-
-
imported post
You have lost power to the coil, the reason that the engine starts only when the starter is turned is because the cold start feed to the coil from the starter is active whilst the starter is engaged. Is your car a MK1 or MK2. If a MK1 you could run a temp feed to the ballast resistor and the car should start (proving that the coil feed is the problem)
Les
-
imported post
Many thanks Les. The car is a 1972 Mark 1 - will give it a try.Comment
-
imported post
Les...as suspected the old girl started first turn, many thanks for your advice. I have by-passed the ballast resistor, are they readily available from any car spares shop, or is it a Stag only part?Comment
-
imported post
suecavina wrote:Did you put a extra live feed to the coil or to the ballast resistor, or did you just by-pass the ballast resistor with the normal supply? If you run the car with 12volt onto a 6 volt coil for any extended period then you will damage the coil.Les...as suspected the old girl started first turn, many thanks for your advice. I have by-passed the ballast resistor, are they readily available from any car spares shop, or is it a Stag only part?
Les.
Comment
-
imported post
suecavina wrote:Don't run it for too long without the ballast resistor otherwise you will burn the coil out.Les...as suspected the old girl started first turn, many thanks for your advice. I have by-passed the ballast resistor, are they readily available from any car spares shop, or is it a Stag only part?
The same resistor is also fitted to some Land Rovers and Jaguars so you might be able to source one locally. Part no is 134176
Nigel
Mk2 1976 Delft Blue with Beige Interior. TV8 and ZF 4 SpeedComment
-
imported post
You could use an early 1850 Dolomite resistor too, and a resistor that could be used is the fuel pump ballast resistor from a MG Maestro or Montego EFI (it's mounted below the coil in the left hand side of the engine bay on those MGs and has a similar appearance to the Stag one)
Comment
-
imported post
Also used on my 1975 Triumph T160 motorbike and I got a new one for that from a Reliant garage which I think was used on a Regal.
Mark
Comment
-
imported post
suecavina wrote:Hiya, you said the magic words "WINTER LAYUP" they don't like it you know - Stags that is.It would be interesting to find out how many of the calls for help come from owners who indulge inthis passtime. Not being critical - just interested.Problems starting after winter lay up. New plugs and rotor arm fittted and distributer cap looks good. Turning on the starter there is a good blue spark, and a smell of fuel from the exhaust and on the plugs. Lumination ignition has been fitted for some years, and after a couple of turns the engine fires but cuts as soon as the starter is released. Trying a tow start the engine turns but does not fire. Any ideas please?
Martin.
Comment
-
imported post
Yes we do feel guilty about winter layups and we will try and do better in the future!!
All is well and she is running very sweetly. A new ballast resistor was ordered and delivered within 24 hours from Rimmer Bros. Many thanks for all the help and advice.
Sue
Comment
-
imported post
suecavina wrote:A lady on the forum - thrice welcome ! Glad your prob is sorted.Yes we do feel guilty about winter layups and we will try and do better in the future!!
All is well and she is running very sweetly. A new ballast resistor was ordered and delivered within 24 hours from Rimmer Bros. Many thanks for all the help and advice.
Sue
It's not me who doesn't like winter layups it's the Stag. Martin.
Comment
Comment