Series 3 2.25p wont start. Help!

Hi all,
Last week my 2.25 petrol series 3 started running really rough. and I mean rough it was shaking on the mounts and sounded just as rough.

Since then I haven't been able to get it started. I have installed a new distributor, overhauled the carb and even tried a different carb but still nothing.

Coil is getting 12 volts and sends a spark to each of the plugs when removed and tested against grounding.
Set the timing at TDC and even when No1 piston is at top of stroke.
Checked that fuel pump works and fuel is going through the carbs. Spark plugs are wet on removal.
Even checked that I haven't been so dim-witted to put diesel in at the pump.
Tried cranking it over a fair few times with the handle and the starter motor.

Losing the will at the moment and a 200tdi conversion seems more and more appealing
has anyone got any ideas to save me from this fate?

Thanks
Alex

Is it electronic ignition or still on contact points? If still points, try changing the condenser. Does it run any better with the air filter removed from the carb? Have you tried adjust the timing other than setting to TDC. Is the air mixture screw set correctly. It might be worth trying another coil even though yours appears to working. I've know coils to work on test but play up when running the engine. Hope some of this helps, don't fit a diesel, you will end up with worse problems in the long run.

Col

You don't need much to get a 2.25 petrol running, petrol, spark, air and compression
You've checked the petrol is getting through and you've checked the coil is giving a spark, have you checked you're getting a spark from each plug lead? Is it a nice healthy spark?
Have you checked the compression? Also take the rocket cover off and check if all the valves are opening and closing - you can still get good compression of they don't all open. Have you checked the tappet gap?
Try with the air intake pipe off, just one thing to rule out
+1 on the diesel, don't!

It is still on points. I have tried a new condensor and coil. I have also tried with the air filter removed but still no joy.
I have taken all of the plugs out of the engine and tested to make sure there is a spark and there is.
Tried numerous times to time it. using TDC and 6 before also getting piston to the top of stroke and setting it
Still not even getting it to fire

Have you fitted new plug leads? Also is your dizzy cap and rotor arm good quality? Just because they are new doesn't mean they re any good? Have you got your dizzy in the right way? IIRC it is possible to fit it 180 degrees out.

If you are confident the electrics and timing are all good and the valves are set correctly, it must be a fuel problem. Do you have a transparent fuel filter that you can see enough fuel is going through? If that's ok, it might be time to take the carb to bits for a good clean.

Col

DR0844 said:

Last week my 2.25 petrol series 3 started running really rough. and I mean rough it was shaking on the mounts and sounded just as rough

Click to expand...

Is this normal with timing / fuel issues , I have the dreaded diesel so mine shakes like that normally
are you sure nothing mechanical is broke as Kermit says check pushrods / valves working ok you can take plugs out make it easier is tapped gaps ok,

have you checked that it actually petrol get to the carb and not a mix of water and petrol (condensation in fuel tank certain super markets lack of pump maintenance after heavy rain) plugs would look wet you haven't used any gasket sealer some types harden and slivers can break off
causing jets to block and finally you have the leads in the correct firing order and are getting a spark at the plugs

I have it running now just. After changing all spark plugs, new points, new HT leads, new condenser and new coil.
It runs quite rough on idle and sounds a little rough when reved higher. There is a whushing noise. Could that be a air leak in the carb causing this?
Or a blocked jet not but it wouldn’t account for the whushing air noise.
Carb is a zenith 36

http://www.retroanaconda.com/landrover/2010/03/series-iii-workshop-manual/
Have a look at page 17- 5 for fault finding,
Glad you’ve got it running again

I had that problem.... it was the vacuum pipe to the servo letting in air and it ran crap then stalled till I found the problem.