Will not start

[bulfin]

Hi All,

My S4 Elan has not run in a while due to some suspension work and and me moving 220 miles away. I was at my old shop last week and tried to crank it, with no success. The gas was drained and fresh fuel added. Pulled the plugs, disconnected the coil etc and turned it over. After reconnecting, it turned over and sounded like it wanted to crank, but didn't. I tried with choke on and off - no difference. I ran the electric fuel pump and gas is getting to the T between the Z-S carbs. Pulled a plug and got good spark. Also had good oil pressure while turning it over. Took off breather and filters, held up the damper and sprayed starter fuel in and it caught a little, but died quickly. I ran the battery down, said a few four letter words and then went to other tasks (getting the house ready to sell) I needed to do while I was there.

Air, spark and fuel - the only thing I can figure is that the gas may not be getting to the spark plugs. I should have tried to flood it and checked the plugs, but I didn't. I know next to nothing about carbs, so is that the problem?

I will go back later this week and try again, so any and all suggestions gratefully appreciated.

Thanks,

Bob

[paddy]

You can tell if fuel mixture is reaching the cylinders by removing a plug and turning the engine over - you'll smell the fuel if it's there.

I would guess maybe stuck needle valves or perished/split diaphragm?

Paddy

[Gray]

If all was working well on last use its unlikely that something has happened to the timing but not impossible, distributor drive pins have been known to shear, chains jump, etc.

A quick check that spark coincides with compression, but take care doing it. Remove a plug. Hold plug to earth or use a spark tester, finger over plug hole to check compression stroke, or use a compression tester, third hand or helper to turn ignition on and engine over.

Good luck

[jono]

are the float bowl filling - stuck float/valve perhaps?

I had exactly the same on my classic Alfa after layup. Took the float cover off and dry as a bone (mech pump was not pulling enough) - filled the bowls and started first time.

[bulfin]

Thanks all for the replies. A few more things to try when I am with the car next week.

Bob