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Petrol car won't start

  • 30-12-2016 12:04PM
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,789 ✭✭✭


    I have had a mitsubishi colt lying about for two years. I use it once a month or so. Last time, six weeks ago it seemed sluggish. Anyhow ,now it won't start, turns over merrily but does not fire up.
    Suggestions anybody.....


Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 184 ✭✭kavanada


    The fact it turns over merrily suggests the battery is fine.

    The fact it isn't lighting up would suggest either the fuel is not getting through or else it is but is not igniting.

    Can you change the fuel filter? Can you check the spark plugs? Would you say there's petrol there from 2 years ago or even 1 year ago?

    The fact it's basically sitting up for two years means it could do with a general service. New air filter, new oil, new plugs, new fuel (it loses its volatility with time and 2 years is quite long in your unsealed fuel tank).

    If your colt is one of those from the late 90's/early 00's, it'll start easily enough with the right conditions. It's one of those simple fuel/air/ignition engines if you know what I mean.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,327 ✭✭✭bonzodog2


    Check plug gaps, and leads (in the dark is handy), and that you have fuel


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,789 ✭✭✭rugbyman


    Thank you both for your replies. The car got petrol in the last six weeks.
    The car always started every month for two years. With respect to your advice,I don't think the plugs can get worse while sitting there. I know quite a a bit about cars, I am puzzled by this.i don't understand how a problem can develop while standing there.

    In contradiction of my beliefs, some years ago I was trying to get a motorbike to start,aided by a highly experienced motorcycle mechanic. We had the plugs out, sparking as we turned over the engine. Plugs in ,no start.. my friend,completely baffled,said ,"New plugs". New plugs in ,started first Turn!,,,


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,891 ✭✭✭allthedoyles


    could it be damp or decayed leads ?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,789 ✭✭✭rugbyman


    Interesting suggestion,thank you


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 184 ✭✭kavanada


    No offence taken!

    The fact you put in some fresh fuel recently would be enough to mix it all up again enough to discount the stale fuel theory.

    I'd be looking at the plugs now. €25 max for 4. Have you checked any of them yet for appearance?

    Again, from your description, it's either battery, fuel or ignition. The first 2 shouldn't be it now so that leaves the plugs or if not them, the HT leads.

    Do let us know if/how you get it going again.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,789 ✭✭✭rugbyman


    Kava na perhaps you mentioned the problem, though not in 1,000 years could anyone here get this answer.
    Towed the car to a garage who reported that someone had slashed under the bonnet,air condition pipe, injector leads,3 of,and another pipe.

    On my street intersection there are spaces for 14 cars without parking in front of anybody's house, I was on one of those.....neighbours eh there's nowt as queen as folk.....

    Obviously to lift the bonnet ,I must have left car unlocked.


    Earlier this year I had three tyres( between two cars ) roof on one of them slashed, same night two neighbours had a tyre each slashed
    I


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