I can't start my 1977 R5

[sotty]

Hello there,

I have a 1977 R5 GTL (is this rare?) that has been stored for the last ten years. I recently tried to start it and have changed the spark plugs and battery. The starter is turning but there is no ignition. I've been told that it may be the coil that is at fault. Also, has anyone got any garage space in Manchester?

 

[malcolm]

Welcome. The early R5 is very similar to the Renault 4 and even more rare. Have you pulled a spark plug lead off to check for a spark? Just connect it to an old spark plug, earth it to the block and turn the engine. More likely dirty points or dirty HT lead connections than the coil.

More common for a car that's been standing for a long time is bad petrol. Petrol goes off after 6 months or so, and after 10 years you have something like white spirit in the tank. I have a petrol container for getting old cars going. It ties to the windscreen wipers and gravity feeds fuel into the carb. Well worth pulling the top of the carburettor off too to check for water or scum in there that might be blocking the jets.

 

[sotty]

Hi Malcolm,

So, I should pull a lead off and turn the engine to see whether there's a spark? Should this be done lead by lead? I'm unclear about your point below:

Just connect it to an old spark plug, earth it to the block and turn the engine.

Thanks,

Sotty

 

[malcolm]

Pull a lead off a spark plug, plug it into an old spark plug, then hold the end of the plug against a bit of engine that will conduct electricity - an exposed bolt somewhere on the engine is good. Turn the engine over and see if there is a spark in the spark plug. If there is a spark the ignition system is probably OK.

 

[sotty]

Hello again,

There is spark with each lead so there may be an issue with the carb.

Where do I start?

Cheers.

 

[pepper]

I'd rig up a can of fresh petrol on a short piece of pipe to the fuel pump, be careful though.

 

[sotty]

I've resisted the temptation to mess with the carb because there's no spark from the coil. I've looked under the dizzy cap and one of the points is badly pitted; I'm assuming that this is the problem........