Engine rebuild then crank no start!
Posted: Sun Jan 25, 2026 20:29
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

Cheers
John
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
Cheers
John