Engine starts then stalls

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Atking53
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Model: Excel LC
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Engine starts then stalls

Post by Atking53 »

I went for a good run on New Years day; it was very hot (40c) but everything was working fine. Next day it wouldn't start and run. It would fire every time, then stall after 1-2 seconds. I disconnected the fuel lines to the carbies and pumped 500ml of fuel through so fuel pump and lines seem ok. It then fired and ran for a while. I turned it off and the same start-stall problem returned. Any ideas? It is a 1985 LC engine. Usual successful start procedure is turn ignition key to get fuel pump clicking for 5-10 seconds, 2 full pumps on throttle, hold throttle half open turn key fully until engine fires. Cheers.
Glenn
Lotus Excel
Mercedes SL350
Hyundai i30 SR

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Hawaiis0
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Re: Engine starts then stalls

Post by Hawaiis0 »

Does the fuel pump stop clicking?

Does your MY have the fuel tank fuel lock?
Nothing is fool proof. Fools are clever!

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Lotus-e-Clan
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Re: Engine starts then stalls

Post by Lotus-e-Clan »

Hawaiis0 wrote:
Fri Jan 29, 2021 10:11
Does the fuel pump stop clicking?

Does your MY have the fuel tank fuel lock?
As Hawaii 5 0 says look at your fuel pump in particular. The failure creeps up on you. Not only does it then tend to stick (hit with a hammer next time it stalls), but even if it then ticks normally on pre-start, the strength of the pulse diminishes insidiously. If it IS the pump you can refurbish it, but best to replace it with the updated electronic (rather than points) SU equivalent (same as the original in conformation and function ..ie a straight swap).

I had this issue. Foxed me for months. fixed with the new SU pump.
Peter K

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DavidOliver
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Re: Engine starts then stalls

Post by DavidOliver »

Hi Glenn. It is very easy to inspect the needle valves for sticking, float levels and jets for dirt/grit.
Also when you lift out the float assembly you can see if there is a fair amount of fuel in the bowls.
When replacing and before screwing down try switching ignition on to check fuel flow through
the carb filter and needle valve. Careful with spills!

Here in Malaga we also get warm weather, personally I do not prime the carbs when starting.
As an aside our LC engines do not have purge valves to remove petrol fumes on restarting
a hot engine, another reason not to prime by stroking the throttle.

Dave the cog.

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Tanz
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Re: Engine starts then stalls

Post by Tanz »

I had the same problem. Turned out to be the rev limiter. A well known problem. Pull the plug out and try to start it. Got nothing to loose by trying this easy fix.
At least you can eliminate the rev limiter as a suspect.
Cheers, Phil
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Re: Engine starts then stalls

Post by CHRISYD »

Yes, try rev limiter first. If you dizzy is points (cant remember if excels had them early on) they could be sticking closed. i had same issue on my eclat.
I REALISED YOU CANT LIVE WITHOUT A LOTUS!!! Until now :oops:

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shaunw
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Re: Engine starts then stalls

Post by shaunw »

Could also be the rotor arm. Especially if you have the type thats rivited.

Shaun

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Re: Engine starts then stalls

Post by TrevorK »

Another possibility is the fuel tank breather being blocked. Does removing the fuel filler cap let it run normally.
What car is that?

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Atking53
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Re: Engine starts then stalls

Post by Atking53 »

Thanks to those who responded to my stalling problem. I will pass on the comments to my mechanic who was booked for a house call on Monday. But after sitting for a week it started and ran today so it may have been related to the heat. :D
Glenn
Lotus Excel
Mercedes SL350
Hyundai i30 SR

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Atking53
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Re: Engine starts then stalls

Post by Atking53 »

The mechanic wasn't home, so the car decided to blow the clutch slave cylinder seals in protest, so I was stuck unable to change gear in the middle of a roundabout. Fortunately a master cylinder full of hydraulic oil from a nearby car parts shop got me home. Now waiting for a shipment of a new slave cylinder from SJSportsparts. The good news is that our car club has decided to resume fortnightly runs as Covid 19 cases are now thankfully very low in OZ.
Glenn
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Hyundai i30 SR

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Re: Engine starts then stalls

Post by Pete Boole »

Great that you've got covid on the run! I'm really missing car meets now :(

Pete

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DavidOliver
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Re: Engine starts then stalls

Post by DavidOliver »

Glenn, bit too late now but for your next order to SJS there are some small bits that cost little and are well worth including.
Namely; Rotor arm SJ907E0012
Plastic drive for distributor Pick-up magnet. SJ912E0027
Oil pump gasket. A907E0474Z
Countersunk screw auxilliary pulley. A075W7018Z
Door hinge Bushes. SJ075U0005

Here in Spain the cost of shipping (now with Brexit) from UK has gone to 25 pounds for even the smallest parcel.
I have always tried to think of what I might need in advance of a larger order to include items such as gaskets and filters.
After a failed Plastic drive causing timing failure I tried making a brass one as I could not find a supplier. SJS have them, cheap.

Dave the cog.

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Atking53
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Re: Engine starts then stalls

Post by Atking53 »

I thought I should finish off this post by reporting the solution. All the starting and engine cut out problems were sourced to a faulty ignition switch. After installing a new switch even my wife is willing to go for a drive in it as it is now running sweetly.
Glenn
Lotus Excel
Mercedes SL350
Hyundai i30 SR

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Atking53
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Joined: Sat May 05, 2018 08:05
Model: Excel LC
Colour: White
Year: 1985
Location: Wilton NSW

Re: Engine starts then stalls

Post by Atking53 »

I thought I should finish off this post by reporting the solution. All the starting and engine cut out problems were sourced to a faulty ignition switch. After installing a new switch even my wife is willing to go for a drive in it as it is now running sweetly.
Glenn
Lotus Excel
Mercedes SL350
Hyundai i30 SR

AndyC
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Re: Engine starts then stalls

Post by AndyC »

Glad it's sorted. Not the most obvious cause but it's not as if we think of ignition switches as failing very often.

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