Van Diemen

Tiptop · 29 Nov 2002, 09:06 (Ref:439242)

Help!!

My 1988 van diemen formula ford just won't start
the engine turns over but there is no spark ?

I have tested the coil which is ok i think it might be the ECU unit ?

Can anyone out there help especially if there is something obvious I might have overlooked ?

Thanks
paul..

woodyracing · 29 Nov 2002, 12:54 (Ref:439368)

battery, spark plugs, HT leads, fuel ???

Could it be any of them ?
Good luck anyway.

JR Ewing · 29 Nov 2002, 15:12 (Ref:439442)

ECU on an FF1600??

I think you mean the ignition unit which are notoriuosly unreliable. Or perhaps look at the master switch...

verglas · 29 Nov 2002, 22:12 (Ref:439671)

what sort of ignition system are you using? If it is Lumenition, then the power box may be faulty, cost about £65 to replace from Demon Tweeks. Alternatively if you are using the old Lucas system, check all the connections on the main lead from the distributor. Also, check all the coil connections - a good indicator of a dodgy coil is a Rev counter that is far from stable. Not much help if you can't start, but was it all OK beforehand? Good luck!!

mattray · 30 Nov 2002, 05:53 (Ref:439890)

Has it got Fuel in it?

Matt

DAVID PATERSON · 30 Nov 2002, 10:16 (Ref:439972)

It's fuel or electrical/ignition.

Remove the fuel hose from the carby/plenum chamber and turn the fuek pump on. If fuel pours out, your fuel system is OK and thus the problem is electrical, if not trace the fuel system from tank to engine.

There, i've cut your list of possible causes in half.

JR Ewing · 30 Nov 2002, 10:49 (Ref:439992)

Fuel pump on an FF1600?? As well as an ECU. You might juts have scrutineering problems. We'll be getting alloy wheels, LSDs and 3-way adjustable dampers suggested next! Ho ho.
It will be the Lumenition.
In the old days, we used to mount two of these on the car so if one played up we just moved the loom over to the 'spare' - or, as I said, the master switch.

woodyracing · 30 Nov 2002, 12:05 (Ref:440034)

Im curious now, how does it work without a fuel pump ?

FilW · 30 Nov 2002, 15:44 (Ref:440124)

Good point woody, I think the fuel is gravity fed from a small tank on the drivers helmet!?

mattray · 30 Nov 2002, 16:14 (Ref:440133)

I have a small pipe that is attached to the tank to which I have to blow into to create pressure in the tank thus forcing the fuel into the carb. its good on the straights but pick up out of the corners is terrible!!

Matt

Barry Pomfret · 30 Nov 2002, 16:18 (Ref:440136)

FF 1600s use a mechanical fuel pump, they are driven by a lobe on the camshaft and therefore only work when the engine is being turned over.If you just switch on the ignition it will not drive the pump. Have you checked whether there is a spark at the plugs? Remove a plug and reattach the plug lead, earth the side of the plug to somewhere metallic on the engine and turn the engine over using the starter motor, you should see a spark jump across the electrode.

verglas · 1 Dec 2002, 12:50 (Ref:440486)

so Mattray now we all know, and the secret of your formidable speed is out!! Just dont get breathalysed after a race!! As for TipTop, my money is on the Lumenition. Great idea J R Ewing, think I will raid the piggybank as I always have a fear of the unit failing at a race meeting..

Tiptop · 1 Dec 2002, 18:35 (Ref:440672)

Cheers guys,

Thanks for all your help I had a chuckle at the fuel pump joke!!

After all of this I checked the wires coming from the cut off switch in the car and one wire was a bit loose (typical!!)

It starts first time now that i've fixed it

woodyracing · 2 Dec 2002, 04:04 (Ref:440891)

so whens your first race Tiptop?
which championship you going to be in ?

JR Ewing · 2 Dec 2002, 08:35 (Ref:440955)

Quote:

Originally posted by verglas
Great idea J R Ewing, think I will raid the piggybank as I always have a fear of the unit failing at a race meeting..

Please thank me from the podium then!!

PS Tip-top, I'd still start with checking the earth/master-switch - it's cheaper...

mattray · 2 Dec 2002, 16:00 (Ref:441196)

Verglas the aformentioned fuel pressure method helps but I put most of it down to the people who help me at races ie my Dad and Step mum. a bit of preparation previously by me also helps but credit due where.... and all that.

I wonder if I have an old Luminition about that can be sent back to them to be repaired rather then buying a new one?? anyone know if they do this??

Matt

JR Ewing · 2 Dec 2002, 16:44 (Ref:441222)

Did I say master switch - or did I say master switch?

Tiptop · 4 Dec 2002, 22:03 (Ref:442849)

woody,

I am racing at castle combe championships next year
I think the season starts near the end of march ?

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