1.7 340 not starting...... Any help appreciated!

[Jonofdoom]

Well I got my cap and rotor arm, and installed them yesterday.. There was quite a lot of corrosion on the metal bits on the old cap and rotor.

Only just now had a chance to test it out, went out and left it for half an hour and it didn't want to start at all.. Eventually I got it going but it looks like the problem remains. I'll know for sure in an hour or so when I try it again. It's starting fine right now, but that's normal just after running.


I think my next step should probably be plugs / leads? Gonna try and get some (within walking distance as I don't trust it) but I don't think I'll have time... Any other ideas from anyone??

Gonna double check that its' not sparking in an hour or so when the problem returns....

[volvodspec]

jep, as you dit the dizzy+rotor it's logic to swap these for new ones aswell..

could also be that you have a leaking floater so the engine will drown itself.

[Jonofdoom]

Cheers.. I don't think it's flooding, the plugs are dry when it's not starting, I think that's what that means? I'm a bit new to these things though, do tell me if I'm wrong!



1.7 340 leads are hard to get hold of it seems, without ordering them in. Too late now, will have to try tomorrow.



Just tried it again and it wasn't starting, plug 2 out, turned over, very weak spark visible.. It started though after putting the plug back in.

[volvodspec]

weak spark will now be the leads + spark plugs.

you can also try cleaning the TDC sensor, located somewhere on the bellhousing. now that you're busy with it..

[Jonofdoom]

Cool, bellhousing, TDC sensor, I'll get on it.. Got nothing better to do:D

[Jonofdoom]

Oh god it's an awkward fecker isn't it:D

How the hell are you supposed to get at the damned thing?!?!?!?!?!? Having a break, its' getting me all worked up. I only just figured out that there's nuts on the back of the bolts, and that they'll require a spanner or somethign to hold them still... ARGH.

[Chris_C]

Take the heater box out like I mentioned earlier Arn't the bolts tapped into the bellhousing on a 1.7? I've been looking at 360s for the last couple of months so my heads not with it again. Other thing to try is taking the coil off the renix unit, and checking for corrosion there. Two torx bits stand in your way (only ones on the car!)

[Jonofdoom]

Managed to do it now:D

There's bolts with nuts behind on mine, I dunno if its' been messed with though. getting them back on afterwards was the worst bit.. Anyhows, it wasn't particularly dirty but I gave it a but of a scrub with some wire wool and it's real clean now, but the problem remains, dammit.

Trying to find leads / plugs tomorrow, might have to order them in from somewhere.. Will also try and find some torx bits to check the coil.


Ta!

[Jonofdoom]

Leads have been ordered.. apparently they'll be in halfords by this evening. Soonest I could find, quite pleased actually..

I also noticed last night that this wire isn't attached to anything, and looks like it should be.. Anyone know?


A long shot but worth asking I suppose.

[volvodspec]

yes, 1.4 and 1.7 bellhousings have the TDC sensor bolted with nut + bolt. special bolts though, m7 thread and a tight fit in bellhousing

that loose wire is for the carb pre-heater. should be attached at the base of your carb somewhere around the 2 coolant hoses, but not all solexes on the 1.7 have it..

[Chris_C]

that loose wire is for the carb pre-heater. should be attached at the base of your carb somewhere around the 2 coolant hoses, but not all solexes on the 1.7 have it..

If the carb has the water hoses in the base, then it shouldn't have the carb preheater, and vice versa. The water channels I believe are also for preheating rather than cooling.

What year is your car buddy, think the changeover was around 87

[volvodspec]

that loose wire is for the carb pre-heater. should be attached at the base of your carb somewhere around the 2 coolant hoses, but not all solexes on the 1.7 have it..

If the carb has the water hoses in the base, then it shouldn't have the carb preheater, and vice versa. The water channels I believe are also for preheating rather than cooling.

What year is your car buddy, think the changeover was around 87

oh yes, that was it! cheers mate!

and btw, how dit they solve that on the waterpump? 2 plugs or something? or has the electric preheated version a different waterpump.. dawm it's a long time ago since i last worked on a 1.7

[Jonofdoom]

Cheers.. Car is an '88, should that have it?

I'll pop down and have a quick look anyways....

Just checked out the connections on the coil, they were only a tiny bit mucky, cleaned them up anyways though.. Doubt it'll have made a difference.

[Jonofdoom]

Yeah it has the two hoses going into the base plate thing on the carb (just visible in teh above pic) and nowhere I could spot to attach any wires:)

Well, two hoses going into one hole anyways, via a junction piece.


Just waiting on plugs leads now....

[Jonofdoom]

Halfords failed me, I am no longer pleased with them. Tomorrow it is then.