Ke55 Starting Problems, Northern Suburbs

[jara]

my little ke55 coupe sometimes doesnt start straight away after about a 40 minute drive, longer and it's fine, shorter and it's fine, but around that mark usually takes 2 goes.

 

that doesnt worry me though, what worries me is that all of a sudden this morning, it took a good 2 minutes to start. no idea why, I'm only just learning and have no idea what kind of things to look for / at. my only guess would be the timing. is there anyone around close to Wavell Heights that could maybe have a look in return for a 6 pack?

 

I start work next month, therefore I'm pretty broke and need this thing to keep reliable

 

cheers

[altezzaclub]

Well, you can check the timing easily enough.

 

There will be a mark on the front pulley for TDC. The first mark to come up should be TDC then they will mark every 5deg before TDC out to 20deg or so. You want to set it around 8deg before TDC. Then take the dizzy cap off, loosen the dizzy and turn it a few degrees from where it is 'backwards. (opposite to he way it normally turns) The points should be closed then, and as you turn it forwards the points will open and a spark will jump as the coil fires. You don't need to turn it more than about 10minutes on a clock face.

 

You just tighten the dizzy up at that point and try it.

 

Before you loosen the dizzy turn the motor by hand until the point's rubbing block is up on the square shoulder of the points cam. Check the open points to see if the point's faces are flat (no volcano on one side and mining pit on the other) and check the maximum gap on the points. Should be around 0.45mm on the 4K.

 

Basic ignition tuning, everyone who owns a Rolla must be able to do it...

[jara]

well as embarrassing as it is, i think that might be a bit much for me, i just havent had the opportunity to learn. if i find someone on here to have a look, I'll be sure to pay lots off attention

[altezzaclub]

just Google it Jara, there will be videos on Youtube about basic tuning stuff like that. The internet is just brilliant for that sort of learning.

 

Still, there should be someone around Richmond who can help.

[jara]

If I don't find anyone close by any time soon, I'll give it a shot. cheers

[altezzaclub]

LoL !!!! I don't believe it!!

 

Supercheap have put up a special "how to change points on a 4K motor" just for you!!

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9wZvcr3v2c&feature=related

[jono1986]

Could even be the solenoid on the carby on it's way out, can you start it if you pump the throttle?

 

When my points were gone on my 35 it cranked but didn't start altogether.

 

Take the top of the distributor off and see if the points are moving, if they're not they need replacing.

[jara]

@Altezza, that video has made it seem a lot less scary, i'll give it a shot if my car gives me another scare. cheers for the video and help

 

and @jono, It only didnt start that one morning and i was pumping away at the throttle for my life. but i usually use the throttle first time to start the car anyway, just to help it start, should i not?

 

and if anyone from the northern suburbs is reading this, I'd still apreciate someone giving it a quick look over sometime. and give me a chance to learn

[altezzaclub]

i was pumping away at the throttle for my life

Ah- you probably flooded it!

 

i usually use the throttle first time to start the car anyway, just to help it start, should i not?

Choke out, crank motor, push throttle is how I do it... maybe 1/3 the way down. But it does depend on individual cars and their state of tune.

 

When the points wear closed over time (as the rubbing block wears away) the timing also gets retarded, and that makes it harder to start. So a car that needs a tuneup seems much much better to the owner after its done. Suddenly it is starting eagerly and leaps off the line...

[jara]

i don't use the choke at all, just turn the key with about a third of the throttle and it starts in about 1.5 seconds. tried it earlier today with no throttle and no choke, took about 2.5.

 

I'm pretty sure the points and all are good at the moment, so yeh, i'll close the case with it being flooded. now i can stop worrying. thanks