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    Strange starting

    Hi, l have a 1977 1.3 Lhd mk2 and when trying to start it. I have noticed that if it doesn’t fire up if l release the key it then starts. It doesn’t do this all the time. Any ideas. Thanks

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    Re: Strange starting

    Quote Originally Posted by Juddies View Post
    Hi, l have a 1977 1.3 Lhd mk2 and when trying to start it. I have noticed that if it doesn’t fire up if l release the key it then starts. It doesn’t do this all the time. Any ideas. Thanks
    wiring fault, you dont have an ignition feed to the coil when its cranking

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    Re: Strange starting

    What l find strange is it doesn’t do it all the time. Could it be a bad/ dirty connection somewhere. If not do you have any ideas on what l should do to sort it. Thanks

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    Re: Strange starting

    Quote Originally Posted by Juddies View Post
    What l find strange is it doesn’t do it all the time. Could it be a bad/ dirty connection somewhere. If not do you have any ideas on what l should do to sort it. Thanks

    Quote Originally Posted by Graham View Post
    wiring fault, you dont have an ignition feed to the coil when its cranking

    Intermittent then, get a multimeter on it, maybe it's just a broken wire that makes a connection sometimes but not always.

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    Re: Strange starting

    im no wiring expert, but some cars take the cranking ignition feed from the starter motor of solenoid, it may just be a loose spade terminal

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    Bodger

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    Re: Strange starting

    You probably has the ballast in the ignition system. This is bypassed hven crancing giving 12 volt to coil. If you have a bad connection on the bypass from the startersolenoid and little low batterypower this could be it.

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    Re: Strange starting

    I’ve now noticed it sometimes cuts out when just ticking over. Definitely feels like an electrical problem.

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    Re: Strange starting

    Just in case you’re new to all this, don’t be put off by this problem or feel it’s beyond you to fix. These cars are fairly simple. As per the above comments it’s probably fairly simple and just a bad connection some where. Also the wiring is now 45+ years old and can get brittle in places.
    From memory (definitely not reliable) there’s a green and black wire that is your coil primary feed, if the insulation on that is a bit poor you can get an intermittent problem. It’s a bit tricky to find this kind of thing, but do-able with basic tools and taking a bit of time. A little tech info, low voltage DC power systems suffer with poor joints causing high resistance, this leads to a higher ampage (load) in the cable which results in heat and the heat damages the cable insulation and the copper cores (causing more resistance, viscous circle ) The damage to the insulation can cause a short circuit as eventually the heat will damage adjoining cables. So, the point is have a good look at everything. If you find a loose or dirty / corroded terminal, check the cable route for any heat damage. The insulation will be discoloured and possibly brittle or even burnt.
    Cleaning all your terminals is time well spent and change any that are in a bad way. Remake connections with a light smear of electrical contact grease or copper grease, but wipe excess off cables, and don’t use too much as it attracts dirt. Let us know how you get on if you need any more help.
    Last edited by Zakspak; 24-10-2020 at 11:18.

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    Re: Strange starting

    Edited double post of previous
    Last edited by Zakspak; 24-10-2020 at 11:19.

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    Re: Strange starting

    Thank you so much for your help and advice. I will try what you said this week and will let you know how l get on ����

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