Turning over and wanting to start...but not starting?

Question

I've been having problems with my car engine (a 1974 renault engine). So far, the distributor has been removed and replaced (hopefully correctly in line with cylinder 1 begin TDC), condensor been replaced, new distributor cap.

However, now when I attempt to start the car it turns over and 'tries' to start as there is the definite sound of combustion in the engine, but the momentium isn't there for it to fire up completely.

I'm hoping this is just a warn battery issue (it is charging now), but failing this any other ideas?

Could the distributor been mounted incorrectly (I spend ages hooking this up and it seems correct now).

Any answers gratefully received.

Answer 1

it requires 3 basic things to start. Fuel, air and combustion. If you have those, it will start, it might not run well, but it will start. So, take em one at a time. Do you have spark at the plugs? do you have fuel to the cylinder? and lastly do you have a plugged air filter that's blocking the air flow? Then again, it almost sounds like it's flooded. Try removing the air filter, I use a large handled screwdriver to hold the venturi (butterfly) in the carb open while cranking it. Don't give it gas. if it starts, it was just flooded.

Answer 2

Hi

If the igntion timing is over advanced then the spark will occur as the piston is on its upstroke and the combustion will fight the rising piston causing the engine to slow down, much like a flat battery.

Ensure the points gap is correct and that the battery is fully charged, and then connect a test light across the ignition coil low tension terminals.

Set the engine and distributor to top dead center on cylinder 1.

Switch on the ignition and turn the distributor AGAINST the normal direction of the rotor arm very slowly until the light illuminates, and then very slowly edge it back in the opposite direction until the light just goes out.

Tighten the distributor, remove the test light, and try to start the engine.

If it fails to start then you may have the distributor fitted 180 degrees out. Remove it, turn it through 180 degrees, and then refit and start from the first step above with the test light etc.

If the engine starts you will need to connect a strobe light to fine tune the ignition timing.

Regards

Geordie

Answer 3

OK to start with what Renault is it ?? And what are u calling No1 cylinder. Most Renault's in the 70's No 1 cylinder was gearbox end. so make sure you got it at tdc and got the leads on correct and points are gaped correct. Find out what the firing order is i think its 1342 but check that first and dizzy rotates in a clockwise direction. if all this is correct and u haven't done anything else like valve clearances then it can only be down to fuel.

Answer 4

First put the crankshaft on to "O" TDC
Check the firing order (if OK)
Remove the distributor cap
The rotor should be at #1 cylinder if not turn the distributor, you may need to pull it out and put it back, watch how you do it. If its at #1 but wont start.
Then check the points for proper setting,
Be sure if it has a timing belt to check it as well. Good Luck and GOD Bless

Answer 5

the distributer is not lined up correctly or the spark plug wires are not hooked up correctly also check that gas is geting into the engine buy new spark plug wires

Answer 6

Maybe u should have ur starter checked out or just have diagnostics run on the car to find out exactly whats wrong.

Answer 7

the exact same thing is happening in my Nova. very annoying but im gonna scrap it cos we cant find where the problem is.

Try checking the fuel pump - that could of got clogged up with bits

Answer 8

sounds like you are 180 degrees off (one tooth on the distributer) on your timing, you might want to pick up and drop your distributer one tooth only,snug bolt and give that a try.

Answer 9

Make sure your spark plugs are ok, they may need replacing

Answer 10

the fuel pump. thats what happen to my car. it starts now.