Freelanders last breath......

[Nodge68]

Is it cranking over?

 

[CPD1973]

Yes really well, have done nothing to it since the last test drive that went really well. I think starting it in gear has upset something..... turns over but totally no fire.

 

[rob_bell]

That's odd.

Back to basics: is there fuel is there a spark?

 

[CPD1973]

Will hopefully get a look at it tomorrow, blowing sideways rain all day today...... to check for a spark do you just pull a plug out, reconnect the cap, hold it on the block and get someone to turn the key ? That’s what I do on a motorcycle but have only driven diesel trucks my whole life....... what’s the easiest way to check that petrol is getting to the cylinder? Again with a motorbike and a million power tools I just pop the main hose of and see if fuel comes out ! Thanks

 

[Nodge68]

Just a thought. Have you tried resetting the impact sensor? It might have tripped if the vehicle got a reasonable jolt from the attempted start.

 

[CPD1973]

Will look it up in the manual, no idea where it’s located. Thanks will investigate tomorrow.

 

[rob_bell]

Just a thought. Have you tried resetting the impact sensor? It might have tripped if the vehicle got a reasonable jolt from the attempted start.

That's a good thought: the inertia switch would disable the ignition - hence no start!

 

[CPD1973]

Ok I have pressed the inertia switch, pulled of the main fuel feed and turned the engine, lots of fuel coming out. Pulled a spark plug out and turned the engine and I can see a spark........ turning over and a VERY occasional pop but nothing resembling firing. Having just changed the timing belt etc and had it running is it at all possible that when I turned it over and it jumped forward could it have put the timing out..... I could pull it all apart and see if the marks still line up ? Crazy

 

[rob_bell]

I've been caught out by the spark before: it boils down to whether it is a strong spark or not. You'll see a weak spark, but a strong spark will be very strong.

But if there is a good spark (from what you say, I am sure there is), then on an early K-series with a distributor (I think this is yours?) the only other thing I can think of is a crank position sensor issue?

Or is there a blocked injector? Fuel getting to the fuel rail may not necessarily mean fuel getting to the combustion chambers. Did the spark plugs look wet (with fuel) when you took them out?

 

[Nodge68]

Is the engine timing still correct? Maybe the tensioner has relaxed, causing the timing to slip out?

 

[Alibro]

Ok I have pressed the inertia switch, pulled of the main fuel feed and turned the engine, lots of fuel coming out. Pulled a spark plug out and turned the engine and I can see a spark........ turning over and a VERY occasional pop but nothing resembling firing. Having just changed the timing belt etc and had it running is it at all possible that when I turned it over and it jumped forward could it have put the timing out..... I could pull it all apart and see if the marks still line up ? Crazy

It's very easy to think the timing belt is tight enough but it isn't. Did you to the twist test after turning it over a few times?
That is twist the belt at it's longest point and see how far it will twist. It shouldn't go past 90 deg.
I can't remember if you said it was an auto tensioner or manual but never trust either without checking by hand.

 

[rob_bell]

IIRC it's an early car, so should have a manual tensioner?

 

[CPD1973]

It’s the auto tensioner, the one with the Alan key.... that you line up with the spring. Anyway I just checked and it was not as tight as it should be, the tensioner had definatly moved. So I have re tensioned it, took the plugs out and turned the cam wheels round to line up the timing marks. It all looks ok. Please see picture and let me know what you think. Thanks

 

[rob_bell]

Where is the crankshaft marker pointing?

 

[CPD1973]

Where is the crankshaft marker pointing?

To the back of the engine.....

 

[Alibro]

To the back of the engine..... View attachment 159667

Not really sure what you mean by that but the camshaft pulleys look like they are out by a tooth from these photos.

 

[Nodge68]

but the camshaft pulleys look like they are out by a tooth from these photos.

The inlet cam looks like it's retarded by one tooth to me too.

 

[CPD1973]

Ok I will get a better look tomorrow but if this is the case, as it may well be.... what damage have I have done ?

 

[Alibro]

So long as it's only one tooth then it shouldn't have done any harm I don't think.
Make sure you take off the crank pulley and use the 2 notches to set the timing. Going by the crank pulley can be off a bit.

 

[CPD1973]

Make sure you take off the crank pulley and use the 2 notches to set the timing. Going by the crank pulley can be off a bit.

Hay Alibro could you explain this a bit more please, when you say take of the crank pulley and use the two notches what do you mean ?