Carby and Ignition Problem - HELP!!??

Cuz · tinkerer Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Posts: 82

Just after some help with my gem

First problem is that i can only keep the engine running whilst holding the key in the start position. I have checked the ballast resistor and i am getting about 5 volts when on "on" and 12 when on "start". This is however, only whilst i have the starter motor relay that has been put in disconnected. Once i put that back on i get between 1 and two volts at the ballast resistor when on "on"!? I'm assuming there is just not enough volatage getting to the coil once started. Does the starter motor still get power once started? Help?

Secondly, the carby has been sitting around for ages and not used and now dosn't spray fuel when the accelerator is pumped. The float level is perfect and i have taken the needle and seat out and put thme back in to ensure it wasn't sticking but still no sucess. What can i try? Can i put a rebuild kit on whilst the carby is still on the inlet manifold as i know how much of a bitch it is to get off. I got carby cleaner but where should i clean? Can i clean the jets out to ensure it isn't them. What else could it be?

Thanks guy, really need some help asap

Jus

edgie · tinkerer Joined: 05 Aug 2002 Posts: 107

yeah my car did that once what it is that ther are two circuits from the ignition switch to the ballast resister one work on the start position for i think 12volts then the other gives a lower voltage to stop the resister?coil over heating at low revs i think there was a fusible link that burnt out on my car does the fuel pump run with the key in the on position? cos on mine they both died at the same time
just check all the wiring between the ig switch and the relays for fuel pump also have you checked the fuse first? on the carby it would probly be easier to buy a secondhand one than rebuild yours either way itll have to come of try unscrewing the top cover and cleaning it but ireackan your pump plunger seals have shrunk from not have fuel

sorry bout the long post

edgie

Cuz · tinkerer Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Posts: 82

Ok, thanks for the reply. So, you are saying there should be two wires giving power to the "non coil side" of the ballast resistor. Because currently there is only one and it gives a full 12 volts when the ignition is "on".

Also, the resistor and coil are getting very hot when i leave the ignition on "on" without the engine started. The coiled wire in the bottom of the resistor glows orange.

The pump is working fine so does that rule out fuel relays, fuses etc?

How did you end up fixing your car edgie?

So there is no way i can change the pump plunger seals without taking the carby off?

NeWaZ · tinkerer Joined: 08 Feb 2002 Posts: 161

i had the exact same problem and it was one of the two?!?! fusable links in the engine bay.. once replaced it started fine

hope this helps

NeWaZ

Racegem · backyard mechanic Joined: 30 Jan 2002 Posts: 987

The coil has two wires on the + terminal. One wire that's full 12 volts at start for maximum spark. Once running, power goes through the ballast resistor along the second wire, to give approx. 9 volts to stop the points burning out. By-pass the ballast resistor by jumping a lead from one end to the other. If the car starts and runs, replace the ballast resistor.
The carby will probably be the leather/rubber fuel pump plunger that's dried up and shrunk. This will be in a carby kit, but you'll have to pull the top off the carby, no other option.

Hope this helps, Yonnee.

Cuz · tinkerer Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Posts: 82

Ok, basically i've got a relay for the starter motor that uses a black and white wire as the trigger, does this sound right? I've tried using the positive of the coil as a trigger, but it creates too much resistance and the voltage at the coil drops to about one volt.

Only problem is that the black and white wire is not getting any voltage at any stage including "start" so could this mean a fuseable link?

This should work as long as the starter motor dosn't require any voltage once the car has started, right?

Cuz · tinkerer Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Posts: 82

Oh yeah, how much and where can i get a carby rebuild kit from?

edgie · tinkerer Joined: 05 Aug 2002 Posts: 107

on mine there was a fusible link in the harness on the inner gaurd on drivers side it had fabric looking stuff over the insulation check this for continuity with a multimeter or just try replacing it

NeWaZ · tinkerer Joined: 08 Feb 2002 Posts: 161

yeh that's what i replaced

NeWaZ