Author Topic: Won’t Start  (Read 1336 times)

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Ribs

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Won’t Start
« on: August 20, 2019, 01:14:21 AM »
Hi,

I have a Portuguese Moke that has been garaged waiting for sun.
I start her up and nothing, I’ve charged up the battery and the lights work.

I think it’s the solenoid as I’ve put the key in the ignition switch and connected the 2 terminals and the starter motor cranks.

Can anybody help with advice?

Thanks fellow Mokers.
Susan

Terry

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Re: Won’t Start
« Reply #1 on: August 20, 2019, 10:36:31 AM »
Hi,

if you turn the key and the starter motor turns over/cranks then it is not likely to be the solenoid as its purpose in life is to connect the battery directly to the starter motor so it turn over. A failed solenoid will do nothing, it will not go click or clunk and the starter will not turn over.

If you take the lead off the centre of the distributor cap and put a screw driver down inside onto the terminal and put the metal bit of the screwdriver near a bolt, nut or edge of the engine you should see a spark when the starter motor turns over. If not you have an electrical/ignition issue.

Is there fuel getting to the engine? If you disconnect the fuel hose from the carby, remove the air cleaner and poke the fuel hose down the intake of the carby and turn the engine over then you should see fuel coming out of the hose. If not you have a fuel issue. Is there an electric or mechanical fuel pump on the Moke?

Terry

Ribs

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Re: Won’t Start
« Reply #2 on: August 25, 2019, 02:30:06 AM »
So I turn the key and nothing.
I replaced the solenoid and randomly when I hooked up the battery terminal the car cranks without the key. When I put the old solenoid back in and hooked up the battery nothing. I then put a screw driver across the terminals on the solenoid and the car cranks.
Could I have purchased a faulty or the wrong solenoid?

Terry

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Re: Won’t Start
« Reply #3 on: August 25, 2019, 09:01:06 PM »
Hi,

can you post up a photo of the solenoid you have on your Moke. It may or may not be similar to what we have on the Mokes out here.

Terry

Drakman

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Re: Won’t Start
« Reply #4 on: August 26, 2019, 08:54:02 AM »
If the solenoid you bought is correct then it sounds like you have a problem with the ignition switch and or wiring. Perhaps a loose wire earthing randomly or the switch itself.  I take it that when you "jump" the solenoid terminals the car starts.

Ribs

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Re: Won’t Start
« Reply #5 on: August 28, 2019, 02:48:20 AM »
So I purchased a 3 spade solenoid and now she cranks!!!
But won’t start. Any ideas? I was thinking of chucking petrol down the carby?

Drakman

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Re: Won’t Start
« Reply #6 on: August 28, 2019, 07:29:27 AM »
Take a spark plug out, put the lead back on it and lay it on the engine so it earths and crank the engine over, you should see a spark jump the gap.

If no spark start checking back through the ignition system, points closed up, wire off, coil etc.

If you get spark then the fuel system will be the issue. Basically only 3 things stop an engine from starting/running,  mechanical failure (rod hanging out the side etc), spark and fuel.  I did say basically!

Have you checked the wiring from the switch?

Ribs

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Re: Won’t Start
« Reply #7 on: August 29, 2019, 07:04:24 AM »
So the spark plugs weren’t great.
Replaced them all and still nothing.
Do you know the firing order for a Portuguese Mini Moke?
I also took the distributor cap off - not sure what to do next.

Terry

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Re: Won’t Start
« Reply #8 on: August 29, 2019, 08:45:22 AM »
Hi,

the firing order is 1 3 4 2 with the rotor button travelling anti clockwise.

Normally the #1 lead should go on the terminal closest to the radiator, but with your radiator across the front, that doesn't mean much, so try putting #1 lead on the terminal closest to 1 or 2 o'clock position on the cap and then work your way  anti clockwise from there.

If that doesn't help, you will need to check that #1 position is where I said it is by taking off the rocker cover and with the car in gear roll the Moke forward slowly watching the two rockers above the springs on #4, the end closest to the clutch. When the the rocker on the left comes up to rest the rocker on the right will begin to go down. Rock and roll the Moke until you get it to the point where both rockers are just closing and just opening and then look at the rotor button under the distributor cap and the terminal it is pointing at is where you put #1 lead.

Terry

moemoke

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Re: Won’t Start
« Reply #9 on: August 29, 2019, 10:50:12 PM »
Hi Ribs,

What sort of ignition system do you have, points or electronic?

If it is points, check to see that they open (12 thou) when the motor is turning over, if they
 don't open enough you will not get spark at the plugs
If you have electronic ign you may need to try a different dissy.
1976 Moke 1275cc (Dynky),
1976 Moke(Scarlet) current project,
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Ribs

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Re: Won’t Start
« Reply #10 on: August 30, 2019, 09:55:49 AM »
So now you’ve lost me.
Can you explain please 

Halfpint

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Re: Won’t Start
« Reply #11 on: August 30, 2019, 01:05:56 PM »
G’day,
What their asking is if you have spark, and if the spark is being delivered to the right place, at the right time (ignition timing).
Have you tried the fuel thing yet?
Halfpint
« Last Edit: August 30, 2019, 03:15:36 PM by Halfpint »
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Ribs

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Re: Won’t Start
« Reply #12 on: August 30, 2019, 05:10:53 PM »
So should I crank the engine while the distributor cap is off? To see if there is a spark?

Drakman

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Re: Won’t Start
« Reply #13 on: August 30, 2019, 07:30:56 PM »
So you have points and condenser then?  You can turn the ignition on and use a screw driver to open the points and you should get a spark but the best way would be to pull a spark plug out and earth it with the lead still attached and turn the engine over, then you will know if the plugs are getting spark.

Terry

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Re: Won’t Start
« Reply #14 on: August 30, 2019, 10:29:07 PM »
So you have points and condenser then?  You can turn the ignition on and use a screw driver to open the points and you should get a spark but the best way would be to pull a spark plug out and earth it with the lead still attached and turn the engine over, then you will know if the plugs are getting spark.

I think we need some pictures so we know what we are talking about. :)

Terry