A Series

[evdama]

I inhereted the old family car a few months ago
It was driven into a barn 20 yrs ago and left there.
I cant get it to start.
Theres a spark jump from the distributor body to the block,but nothing else happens.
Anyone au-fait with BMC A series ignition?

[andy-womble]

Ah the good old days, plugs, points, condenser, rotor arm, distributor cap, ignition coil, SU carburettor......

Have you not tried the diagnostic socket yet ????

[evdama]

Diagnostic socket? is that the little hole in the front bumper? Dad used to put a handle in and wind it around when the battery was flat.

[andy-womble]

No, that is where you wind the clockwork motor up mate....

There must be realms of info on the net about basic ignition systems. Things to check for first are condition of the rotor arm and distributor cap internally and externally and I would replace the condensor and set the points up as a matter of course. Check the static timing to see if the points are opening at the right time etc etc. The "A" series was one of the most popular engines ever produced and was fitted from the 1950's up to at least the late 70's, from Morris Minors all the way through minis to Austin Allegros and Morris Marina's etc etc

[Ol'Jeffers]

Standing 20 years? :eek:
I think I would pop a little engine oil into the bores before turning it
over which helps prevent damage from seized piston rings. Might
even be a good idea to whip the head off so you can see if there's
any rust in the bores.
But as AW suggested change the condenser, clean and gap (12-15 thou.) the points. Put some fresh fuel in it too....It probably won't start using 20 year old petrol.
If you're getting a spark anywhere other than at the plugs (gapped at 20-25 thou.) then you have to find out why! Use new HT leads and check the distributor cap for wear at the contacts and cracks.
If it fires up then switch it off immediately ( Resist the temptation to sit and rev it), drain and re-new the oil filter and oil. The brakes will probably be seized too!
There must be a reason why it was abandoned in the shed in the first place!! :thumbsup:

[evdama]

Standing 20 years? :eek:
I think I would pop a little engine oil into the bores before turning it
over which helps prevent damage from seized piston rings. Might
even be a good idea to whip the head off so you can see if there's
any rust in the bores.
But as AW suggested change the condenser, clean and gap (12-15 thou.) the points. Put some fresh fuel in it too....It probably won't start using 20 year old petrol.
If you're getting a spark anywhere other than at the plugs (gapped at 20-25 thou.) then you have to find out why! Use new HT leads and check the distributor cap for wear at the contacts and cracks.
If it fires up then switch it off immediately ( Resist the temptation to sit and rev it), drain and re-new the oil filter and oil. The brakes will probably be seized too!
There must be a reason why it was abandoned in the shed in the first place!! :thumbsup:

Nailed the bugger!

Popped of the distributor cap cleaned it spotless and polished up all the contacts.Badly worn but worth a try
Oil and water level and quality check,
A dozen turns on the starting handle through the bumper
Primed the carb with the little lever pump,
New battery connected
Pushed on the solenoid button and after half a dozen quick bursts she spluttered in to life!

Runs like a dream,
All the electrics work and the brakes work perfectly.
Even the washer jets sqirt-you have to pump a plunger on the dashboard!!

Only thing now is the IGN lamp flickers on occasionally -I will be investigating that now I can get into a daylight environment.

[andy-womble]

[quote='Ol'Jeffers' pid='22062' dateline='1338657233']
Only thing now is the IGN lamp flickers on occasionally -I will be investigating that now I can get into a daylight environment.

Check the voltage regulator, perhaps the contacts need a little clean up or even the brushes in the dynamo...... just love this retro technology and sometimes wish to make the Berlingo backwardly compatible......

P.S. some photos would be nice if possible....

[evdama]

I cleaned up the contacts on the charging switchover coils but with the battery being borrowed for another project I havn't had time to try it today

Andy and OJ -thanks for your help -heres the culprit


[Image: 2rp8ih1.jpg]

[Image: 20zpwgm.jpg]

[andy-womble]

Looks in overall good condition and an acheivable project to restore to concorse condition, very nice..

[brodfather11]

Looks in overall good condition and an acheivable project to restore to concorse condition, very nice..

Wow ! a baby Austin A35 and with a gold seal reconditioned engine ! :drool:

Worth while doing up