Odd Starting Problem

Hi Folks,

Until Friday never had a problem apart from a persistently flat battery which I thought was a drain. Turned out to be the alternator which has also taken out the battery.

So took it to the garage who fitted a new alternator and then tried to jump start the vehicle. Instead of firing up instantly just turned over and over.
Both of us looked for loose wires etc but found nothing, so tried again and it fired up.
Got home and it won't start even with the new battery I've just bought today, type 072 calcium from Halford, £72 with a trade card (30% saving).

Electrics are not my strong point so does anyone have any idea what might have been disturbed. There's power to the coil and the dizzy and a spark at the plugs (spark tester).

Would be a hell of a coincidence if something else has failed and on Friday it ran perfectly on the way home.

Totally baffled so any hints/tips would be most welcome.

Were the plugs wet after all the cranking? It seems the Rover v8 is picky about firing on soaked plugs. Check and see and if they are wet. If they are, clean them up and dry them, check the gap and reinstall.

Well aware of that problem mate, definitely true.
Don't know if they are wet so will check, but there's not even a cough or hint of firing which is odd and there's plenty of fuel so ....
Off to remove a couple of plugs, will report back shortly.

Removed all the l/h bank and they are stinking wet so that's the first problem.
Going to do the others now.
Hopefully that will be it.

Cheers

Wooks

Done the plugs, re-fitted and no difference. Not even trying to start.
Will have another look in the morning

I'm betting it's a weak spark perhaps due to a dodgy coil or ignition module.

New coil & dizzy fitted less than 2 years ago (still under warranty) but it's possible.
I'm suspecting wiring as I never had a starting problem before, and it's a big coincidence if they suddenly fail.

What is it with starting issues lately?

Try advancing the ignition timing and see if she'll fire. V8's can be a bit odd but really don't like wet plugs. Alternative is to crank it over with wide open throttle.

No idea mate, not a problem for 2 years and then after an alternator change nothing but.
Going to ring the supplier of the coil & dizzy and get some test values from them, got a months warranty left so if anything is duff then I can get a replacement.
If they check out ok then I'll call the mechanic out and go from there.

Well had the tuning guy out (Motolec) and everything is as it should be on the electrical side, so got to be the fuel pressure regulator as HC's go off the scale when it turns over.
Tries to start but can't quite make it.

Will have another look tomorrow but it's well awkward to replace so might leave it to the mechanic. Part cost £80 btw from Total Parts, been looking for 2 years and they managed to find one.
Thanks to everyone who tried to help.

Wookie