ok ok - i'm an idiot ! ... help !

[Dave W]

 

i've gone and done a stupid thing... , whilst adjusting fanbelt tension , i removed the leads from the back of my alternator (to get a bit more clearance for a spanner on the lower bolt) and one of the thicker brown leads touched one of the other terminals......(i think the bottom lead touched the next connector up) needless to say there was a convincing spark !

 

yes - i know - "disconnect the battery first" etc..... 8-(

 

anyway - the car wont start

 

engine turns over fine, no sign of any spark

all fuses in the fuse holder are fine (checked with multimeter)

all electrical things seem fine....except ignition !

the battery charge warning light (middle red one) is on when the ignition is turned on...

 

so the question is what have I fried, I suppose the list of candidates is

 

a fuse I've misssed (he said hopefully? 8-))

the alternator diode pack (this wouldnt prevnt car starting would it?)

the bosch ignition HT module ?

the immobiliser (Vecta) - but this seems ok as well

 

can anyone suggest what might have died?

 

its a '92 hpc (vx16v)....

 

thanks

dave (with everything crossed)....

[Alex Wong1697456877]

Do you know if there's no spark or no fuel? Try taking the plugs out and seeing if they spark.

 

If it's an electrical problem, I guess you'd have to work backwards - plugs - leads - dizzy - ht lead - coil etc etc.

 

You might have taken out a fuse or relay for the fuel pump causing no fuel to be the problem.

 

Does it turn over strongly or feably?

 

Is your car injected or on carbs?

 

A curious one. I'll have a think about this. Don't hold your breath though!

 

 

 

Alex Wong

www.alexwong.net

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[Dave W]

no HT at all no spark on main coil ht lead

plenty of fuel (can hear fuel pump and smell fuel after attempting start)

engine turns over as normal

 

caterham have suggested ignition coil or ignition module

 

i revcd the coil in the post today and have test fitted - no difference (rats !)

will ask caterham to send a new ECU - (500 pounds + ouch !!!!)

 

ps its carbs.......

 

 

 

Edited by - dave w on 24 Oct 2000 18:24:48

[Alex Wong1697456877]

Which ECU are you using? I have an ECU (the small MBE black ally box one) and coil and dizzy from my VX car from when it was on carbs. You're welcome to try / buy it if you want. 150 quid for the lot? I live in B'ham.

 

 

 

Alex Wong

www.alexwong.net

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[Red SLR]

It sounds like ignition module has gone if you are getting absolutly no spark but the engine is turning over.

 

Let me know how you get on.

 

Simon.

 

X777CAT

[Glenn Wheeler]

If your going to spend 500 on a new ecu, why not ditch the MBE c--p and fit a Weber Alpha ECU with throttle sensor( only 350 quid), it will drastically improve the car for less. Or if you really must have an MBE you can have my old one for 20 quid. (sorry Alex)(where do Caterham get their prices from??)

[Dave W]

Wow - what a response !

 

I spoke to Caterham again today and they have ordered an ECU for me - which will take about 2 wks to get (apparently they are waiting for them from their suppliers), based on that delay , the moths in my wallet and the generous offers made here I would definitely like to take you (thats Glenn - sorry Alex) up on your offer.

 

For a VX on carbs? Yes?

 

If so can you give me a ring to sort out P&P (and P(aying))..... I'm in Southampton. Please call me on 07711 228427 (mobile) or mail me your number (to dave.whitehead@btinternet.com)

 

 

Edited by - dave w on 27 Oct 2000 08:50:00