Engine rebuild then crank no start!

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John
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Posts: 210
Joined: Tue Aug 06, 2013 13:16

Engine rebuild then crank no start!

Post by John »

I decided to remove my engine last year to get various jobs done: power steering rack and pump, new clutch and an engine rebuild to resolve low compression. Having got the engine back in I then found I had coolant leaks at inlet manifold and water pump. "Fit dry" was the advice from the gasket suppliers, I'll follow my instincts in future. New gaskets and Wellseal sorted that out.

Next problem was the engine would crank, but wouldn't start. I checked the HT leads, coil and AB14 wiring, wondered if I'd got the auxiliary shaft timing wrong, then it dawned on me that the fuel tank, about 1/4 full, contained petrol over a year old. So I added some fresh E5, and a few squirts of Easy Start down the carb inlets, and problem solved! Sometimes it's the simple things :oops: :D

Cheers

John

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rbgosling
Senior Poster
Posts: 2019
Joined: Sun Jul 04, 2010 22:55
Model: Lotus Excel SE
Colour: Midnight Blue
Year: 1990
Location: Rugby

Re: Engine rebuild then crank no start!

Post by rbgosling »

It's a satisfying moment when that engine fires for the first time!

Sneek peek - we might be getting one of those moments live at the Resto Show, in March...
"Farmer" Richard

1990 Lotus Excel SE (Lilith)
2022 MG MG5 EV (not due to be a classic for quite a few years...)
2011 Nissan Leaf (Ragly - EV pioneer, must be due to be a classic one day)

John
Senior Poster
Posts: 210
Joined: Tue Aug 06, 2013 13:16

Re: Engine rebuild then crank no start!

Post by John »

Thanks Richard, it is a relief to hear the engine coming back to life after having had the thing in bits over many months!

I'll hopefully be at the next NEC show, sounds good.

Cheers

John

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