[T3] Some Spark but no Fire (was RE: Update with a Bowl Full of Rust Flakes)

[Dave Hall]

I can hear an occasional sound - very half-hearted, and a moment around 1:18
when the engine is helping the starter.  Maybe the spark is coming at the
wrong time.

To check for a spark at the plug, just get a spare one, put it in one of the
spark plug leads and rest it on the metal engine case - it should spark.
True, it's not under the same conditions as in a cylinder, but does check
there's a hope of a spark in there.

I think you mentioned the distributer not being fully down at one point -
it's worth checking the rotor is actually rotating when the engine is being
cranked!  You won't get a spark at the plugs if not anyway, so I guess it
must be.

Just some checks (sorry if you've already reported doing these):-
Check you are getting a spark at the plugs.
Are the plug leads correctly arranged round the distributor cap? (Should be
if you haven't changed anything on there since it was last running?)
Do you hear the fuel pump run for a couple of seconds when you turn on the
key?
Have you checked for fuel pressure?  It could be the fuel pressure regulator
isn't regulating correctly (but other possibilities too).

I can imagine how frustrated you are getting - I think we all are, at not
being able to come over and help you sort it.  It's very puzzling as you
have been very thorough in what you've done, and still it isn't right.

Dave
UK VW Type 3&4 Club
===================


-----Original Message-----
From: type3-vwtype3.org-bounces at lists.vwtype3.org
[mailto:type3-vwtype3.org-bounces at lists.vwtype3.org] On Behalf Of Adriel
Rowley
Sent: 25 July 2011 23:01
To: type3 at vwtype3.org
Subject: Re: [T3] Some Spark but no Fire (was RE: Update with a Bowl Full of
Rust Flakes)




----------------------------------------
> From: dave at hallvw.clara.co.uk
> To: type3 at vwtype3.org
> Date: Mon, 25 Jul 2011 21:52:44 +0100
> Subject: Re: [T3] Some Spark but no Fire (was RE: Update with a Bowl 
> Full of Rust Flakes)
>
> Spark at the plugs? I'm sure you would have checked that.
>
I used a timing light on the cables, but not sure how to tell other than
this method whether it is actually firing the plugs.  Now I think about it,
if there is ground, i.e. spark at the tip, the current should flow and
trigger the light.  See, I have had to question my tests, as it should be
running after all these hours of work.

> Smell of fuel from the exhaust?
>
Not sure where it is coming from, but is in the area of the engine.  Can
check the injectors if needed.

> Something should go bang if so, even if only occasionally!
>
Can you hear the popping/spitting?  

> I don't think pumping the pedal will do much. If it's a very rich 
> mixture, you may be firing the injectors (if it's the years that does 
> that) and putting even more fuel in. Better to turn the ignition on 
> and off 10 or 20 times to make sure all the ring main has fuel (or 
> make the pump run using a jumper wire on the fuel pump relay). Then 
> hold the accelerator down while cranking to try to get a better 
> mixture in there. I guess that might not be as good a technique with FI as
with carbed.
>
I was trying to get it to pop or spit for you all.  Also getting a bit
peeved at it all, as tired of quitting, especially in a borrowed garage that
it was to leave a couple weeks ago.  I did try full down, but does not seem
to help.


Thank you so very much!
Adriel
 		 	   		  
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