Forum:
I'm driving a 93 Sportrak 1.6. some times it gives bother starting, it tries to turn over and then the engine feels like it jumps and makes a bit of a bang noise and then it wont start for a min or two or if it starts first time it tends to need a fair bit of gas while turning it over. It Would be next to immpossible to start it by just turning the key alone.
Any ideas what would be causing this and some solutions would be greatly appreciated.
POOR STARTING
Sounds as if you need to look first at the ignition parts. check the state of the plugs, if knackered the replace them. It's worth replacoing the leads and these can be purchased via ebay for as little as £10.99 and they are fine. The Disi cap should also be checked for wear to i's electrodes and the centre sprung connector. Also check the condition of the rota arm.
It sounds to me that it is trying to start but that the spark is too weak to ignite the fuel/air mixture. During damp weather silicone plug leads when old allow dampness through and because of the graphite make up of their core, spark production is affected and a weak spark will cuase starting problems. I suspect that once the engine has started and warmed up the problem disappears. I had the same problem with an old Riley Elf that hadn't been running for 2 years and that had copper HT leads. I replaced the plugs and leads regardless and it fired up immediately.
I think I would put money on the leads and generally a spray over with WD40 will eliminate the problem quite quickly but it will return. While you have the WD out spray the LT connector at the bottom of the coil as this can also cause a problem in damp conditions.
Hope some of this helps. All the best for 2008
OLDMINIMAN
PS I never touch the gas pedal on starting just dip the clutch. You should find if the ignition system is improved as above that you won't need to touch the gas pedal.
M J Young
Ignition.
Check out the entire ignition system. If HT leads look cracked then replace them. Renew and reset spark plugs [1mm gap]. Take particular attention to rotor arm and the carbon connectors inside the distributor cap. The distributor cap might be cracked and leaking the 'spark'. If in doubt renew the distributor cap, rotor arm, and spark plugs.
Hint ... start the car ouside at night. Go somewhere very dark. Open the bonnet. If any leads are leaking you will see the blue flash of electricity flashing across the leads. This often helps in the locating of any electrical leakage. Obviously dont hold the leads!
I assume the air filter has been replaced at its service interval or has it been over looked?
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Next ... go to the fuel system and also check the condition of the coil.