robst3
Part of things
Posts: 24
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Oct 18, 2011 19:46:28 GMT
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Wondering if anyone on here might be able to offer a noob some advice... My (recently purchased) w123 has been refusing to start. So far I have replaced the spark plugs, ignition leads, distributor cap, rotor arm and charged the battery. It cranks over fine and has started very briefly a few times but dies almost instantly... Any suggestions as to what to try next would be apreciated  |
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squonk
Part of things
Posts: 864
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Oct 18, 2011 22:29:08 GMT
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A very clever friend of mine lives by the saying of 'Test, don't guess'. In other words, random parts swappping rarely achieves a quick or sucessful outcome!!
So, if it runs briefly and then stops what have you checked? You need to determine if it is a fuel or ignition related problem.
1. When it dies has it still got a spark?
2. Is petrol getting to the carb once it has stopped?
3. If you give it a whiff of Easy Start will it start again?
4. Is the air filter blocked?
5. Are there any air leaks?
As said, Test don't guess. It will save both time and money!!
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2004 Chevrolet Avalanche Z71
2005 Mercedes CLK320 Cabriolet
1996 Mercedes C180 Elegance Auto Saloon
1996 Rover 620Ti (Dead fuel pump)
1992 Toyota HiLux Surf
1987 Range Rover Vogue (Rusty)
1992 Range Rover Vogue SE (More Rusty)
2006 Chrysler Grand Voyager
2008 Corsa 1.4 Design
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As above,
An engine needs 4 things to run, spark, fuel, air and compression.
Take the air filter off and try again (it's prob not this but it's the easiest)
check for spark by pulling a spark plug out, putting the plug lead back on then touch the electrode onto the cylinder head and get someone to crank the engine over and look for a strong spark.
Check fuel, easiest way is, after cranking the engine a lot and it not starting, remove a spark plug and look for it being wet and smelling of petrol.
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Remember the days when sex was safe and motorsport was dangerous. Vintage bling always attracts pussy. |
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robst3
Part of things
Posts: 24
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Oct 19, 2011 13:25:28 GMT
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It has electronic ignition - is it still okay to do the spark test? Have removed and refitted air filter, seems okay. Will check the rest asap - thanks for the tips. Only £70 out of pocket for the ignition parts so not too bad but yes I have learnt my lesson - no more will be spent until I have tested and identified the problem! Could have been worse as the dealer wanted over £250 for the same parts  |
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robst3
Part of things
Posts: 24
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Oct 19, 2011 17:55:22 GMT
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Hah!! Went out to do some more testing and thought what the heck i'll give it one more go... Yes it started!! Let her idle for 10 minutes then drove for 5 miles, stopped and started her again and seems fine! No doubt it will refuse to start again next time though ;D
This video shows the exhaust smoking after it had been idling for around 5 minutes - looks a bit blue to me - should I be worried? There was no smoke at all after I had driven it 5 miles.
(how do you embed images/videos?)
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Last Edit: Oct 19, 2011 17:56:46 GMT by robst3
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scruff
Part of things
Posts: 621
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Oct 19, 2011 19:21:15 GMT
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If it's been sstanding for ages it's probably jsut damp in the silencer. The Esprit smokes for ages and my mate pete's 924 Turbo smoked for days after ti dumped it';s coolant into the exhaust and he didn't bother to empty it...
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Last Edit: Oct 19, 2011 19:21:34 GMT by scruff
1994 Lotus Esprit - Fragile red turbo with pop up lights.
1980 Porsche 924 - Fragile red turbo with pop up lights.
I spy a trend...
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robst3
Part of things
Posts: 24
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Oct 19, 2011 21:05:20 GMT
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Yeah it had been stood for over a week. So would you say that isn't blue smoke in the video then?
Only asked as I read somewhere blue smoke its something to look out for on these when cold starting
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scruff
Part of things
Posts: 621
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Hard to tell, but a blue cloud would be obvious, you wouldn't need to ask!
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1994 Lotus Esprit - Fragile red turbo with pop up lights.
1980 Porsche 924 - Fragile red turbo with pop up lights.
I spy a trend...
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Oct 20, 2011 15:27:06 GMT
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Burned oil/blue smoke doesn't dissolve this fast and stays in the air for a bit longer. Looks very much like normal condensed water The injection system on your W123 is a Bosch K-Jetronic, google might bring up a lot of info about them They'r usually very reliable, but can have some tricky to find faults. How long is it since the valves have been adjusted? If you don't know - it's always a good call to have them adjusted  Cheers, Jan |
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robst3
Part of things
Posts: 24
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Oct 20, 2011 16:12:27 GMT
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Good news, thanks. No history on the valves unfortunately. Will make sure they are done - is it diyable?
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