Series 1 Inlet manifold/ carb issue

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Nick W
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Joined: Sun May 06, 2018 6:53 pm
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#1 Series 1 Inlet manifold/ carb issue

Post by Nick W » Sun May 06, 2018 7:13 pm

Hello All,
I'm a Newbie to the Forum...and asking for any help please.
I have a 1964 Series 1 3.8. My issue stemmed from initially flooding the engine due to lack of spark. Spark issue now fixed but when the engine flooded there was 'spit back' , I assume back through the inlet manifolds and two of the three carbs. The engine won't start as it will crank a few turns and then come against resistance, due to I assume a build up of fuel (or water as the manifolds are cooled?) or flooded carbs. I could see some fluid, I assume fuel beneath two of the carb Pistons.
When I take the plugs out the engine will turn freely, but when I put the back the same thing happens, it comes to a dead stop after a couple of turns. The battery is fine. Could this be a valve issue? Or should I take off the manifolds and see if they are blocked ?

The plugs do not appear to smell of fuel after trying to start the engine so I feel there must be a blockage either in the carbs or inlet manifold.
Many thanks indeed for any thoughts.
Kind regards, Nick

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cactusman
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#2 Re: Series 1 Inlet manifold/ carb issue

Post by cactusman » Sun May 06, 2018 8:16 pm

Probably best moved to the Series 1 section...a moderator will sort I dare say :bigrin:

If the thing won't crank due to fluid in a bore locking the piston as it compresses you have a major issue. Extremely unlikely to be fuel though and pretty unlikely full stop. Removing the plugs would make no odds 're a valve but will mean no compression so much less work for the starter to do. If it won't turn on the starter with the plugs in and the battery really is ok then check the solenoid and wiring for loose terminals.. I would clean and 're set the carbs as per the service book and clean and gap the plugs and try again...also check the plug leads are not transposed...spit back may have been a wrong cylinder being fired...just a thought...
Julian the E-type man
1962 FHC
1966 MGB....fab little car too

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christopher storey
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#3 Re: Series 1 Inlet manifold/ carb issue

Post by christopher storey » Mon May 07, 2018 6:51 am

It sounds to me as though it might be excessively advanced ignition timing. Once this passes a certain extent, if a cylinder fires there is a tendency for the engine to run backwards which the starter cannot compete against, and which also causes mega spit backs. I would check carefully the static timing and, indeed as has been suggested, that your plug wiring is to the correct cylinders

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Topic author
Nick W
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Joined: Sun May 06, 2018 6:53 pm
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#4 Re: Series 1 Inlet manifold/ carb issue

Post by Nick W » Tue May 08, 2018 6:52 am

Thank you to you both for your very helpful suggestions. The ignition timing does sound like it might be an issue. I have electronic ignition so had thought that this took care of itself but will get it checked out.
Kind regards
Nick

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phil.dobson@mac.com
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#5 Re: Series 1 Inlet manifold/ carb issue

Post by phil.dobson@mac.com » Tue May 08, 2018 12:38 pm

Chris is more than likely correct. However if you wish to convince yourself it is not hydraulically locking then take the plugs out and rotate the engine with the starter (or by hand)

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Topic author
Nick W
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#6 Re: Series 1 Inlet manifold/ carb issue

Post by Nick W » Thu May 10, 2018 12:07 pm

Thank you again to all of you who kindly responded. The E type is now in the dock and my lovely E type specialist reckons it is very likely to be a timing issue and possible failure of a component of the electronic ignition, so he is going to start with replacement of that and hope that this fixes it.
Again, I'm very grateful for your posts.
kind regards
Nick

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phil.dobson@mac.com
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#7 Re: Series 1 Inlet manifold/ carb issue

Post by phil.dobson@mac.com » Thu May 10, 2018 12:35 pm

Who is your etype specialist Nick?

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