I have a problem!

I've recently bought a Series 3-1975, 2.25 petrol, and I am a bit of a novice and help is needed!!!
It doesn't start. Here is what I have tried/replaced etc...
I have put in a new battery and bought new spark plugs, distributor cap looks in pretty good condition and it turns over but never starts.

Any got any advice? It would be much appreciated.

take the plugs out one by one, earth the body and turn it over to check there's a spark

is there fuel getting to the carb ? - take the hose off that goes to the air intake and (after turning it over a few times) it should look slightly moist inside

have you ever seen it running ?

Yes, it was my older brothers, i bought it off him but he hasnt used it for the last 5 years.
Petrol is definately getting through, that has been checked

last old one i bought out of a field after being stood wunt start at first, 2 minutes later after unsticking the points it was running all be it roughly,fresh petrol and a service later was all sweet

Are you trying to start it on 5 year old petrol?

try taking off the top of the air intake on the carb and put a rag soaked this fresh petrol in there and then see if that helps

Davec said:

Are you trying to start it on 5 year old petrol?

Click to expand...

Just what I was thinking; it'll be as volatile as a pint of milk!
Freshen the go-juice!
Always check the 3 P's Points, plugs, petrol

AMEN to above , Defo put some fresh fuel in it ( drain out the old crap first ) , check the points making sure they open/close freely and the gap is right .
then like the guys said , take out the plugs and see if you got a spark .

my bets are on the dead fuel tho

1/ make sure you drain the petrol and fill with new

Then, go through the whole process of starting and check everything along the way, spar plugs, coil, ignition, distributor, timing, even the starter motor if needed as after 2 months of faffing on my old 90......finally got the starter motor off and somethign had managed to actually take a big chunk out of it (I know.... crazy so I kept it as evidence!).

You really will need to give the whole engine a really good going over, replace the filters and usual service jobs and don't forget the old faithful WD40 as that can help.

Also, take the carb off and check it and clean it thoroughly.

Good luck!