tjuniper

Thanks all - Sunday afternoon investigations will commence very soon voltmeter in hand. Jonathan - I'm based in Chelmsford Essex.

Recently built a 270R with a Sigma 1.6 engine. Completed a 1000 miles but had a breakdown during the week. I'm ok with a spanner and instructions but this type of challenge is a little beyond me (currently). Symptoms - thought I could hear a slight rattling from the engine bay as I pulled away from a junction and then within a few hundred yards the car died. Lights went out, engine died and had smoke from the engine bay (alternator area). After recovery, have had a good look and can't find anything obviously wrong (no unattached wires, nothing loose, no obvious signs of burning etc.). Car won't start and just makes a fast clicking noise when trying to start. Only changes made recently include oil and oil filter change. A small amount of oil on the oil filter/cooler which is probably a result of not being able to tighten it enough (pig to get the old one off) but not at all clear how/if this might be related. Battery has good power. Any thoughts or suggestions very welcome.

Wow! I built a 270 R from Sept 2015 to March 2016 and I must admit I found the current manual lacking in many respects. I distinctly remember reading the very first section many times over with my Dad to try and ensure we were putting the spacing washers in correctly - especially when they were a tight fit and as the first job your worried about hurting your pride and joy. This would be a huge improvement, remove much of the doubt and really clarify things.