STARTING PROBLEMS
Problem - I have tried to start the car without any luck. When I turn the key, I can hear the fuel pump kick in. The battery is fully charged too.
Possibility 1 - Couple of places to look into. I would confirm that you are actually getting a high tension (HT) spark from the coil. Disconnect the HT lead from the center of the distributor. Place a screw driver in the end and place it down on the head or something metal. Careful not to sit it too close to the carbs, especially if they leak. I usually have a fire extinguisher near by when ever working on the Jalpa (just precautionary). Have someone else turn the key and watch for the spark. The gap should be about half a centimeter and you should see a good strong spark jumping. Always good to keep your hands clear when turning the engine because it can give you a zap. Can be quite bad if you have upgraded coil on the car. If no spark, then you have to investigate the functioning of the coil, distributor & ignition box (always a good time to upgrade to Raymonds MSD 6AL if the ignition module is faulty). When I was first setting up my car I had a problem with the plugs always fouling up (due to incorrectly adjusted carbs). I find it best to pull the spark plugs out and get a reading. If they are all black (covered in carbon or too rich) then the spark can start jumping down the side of the plug and not across the gap making it difficult to start and run. For the webers on the Jalpa, the mixture screws should only be 1/4 turn out, as specified in the owners manual.
Possibility 2 - I would bet it is your ignition switch at the key. Very common problem. Your can check your starter by bypassing the solenoid.
Possibility 3 - If it comes down to the ignition switch being the problem, I would recommend replacing it.
Possibility 4 - Jump the starter to see if the starter is functional. Just be sure the car is in neutral and the parking brake is on. You do not want to get run over working on your car.
Possibility 5 - Pull the spark plugs and check them. You may need to clean or replace them.
Possibility 6 - When this happened to me, it was my alternator was on its way out.
Possibility 7 - Check your battery to see if it has 14 volts and secondly (with car running), check that the alternator is charging the battery.
Problem - I have tried to start the car without any luck. When I turn the key, I can hear the fuel pump kick in. The battery is fully charged too.
Possibility 1 - Couple of places to look into. I would confirm that you are actually getting a high tension (HT) spark from the coil. Disconnect the HT lead from the center of the distributor. Place a screw driver in the end and place it down on the head or something metal. Careful not to sit it too close to the carbs, especially if they leak. I usually have a fire extinguisher near by when ever working on the Jalpa (just precautionary). Have someone else turn the key and watch for the spark. The gap should be about half a centimeter and you should see a good strong spark jumping. Always good to keep your hands clear when turning the engine because it can give you a zap. Can be quite bad if you have upgraded coil on the car. If no spark, then you have to investigate the functioning of the coil, distributor & ignition box (always a good time to upgrade to Raymonds MSD 6AL if the ignition module is faulty). When I was first setting up my car I had a problem with the plugs always fouling up (due to incorrectly adjusted carbs). I find it best to pull the spark plugs out and get a reading. If they are all black (covered in carbon or too rich) then the spark can start jumping down the side of the plug and not across the gap making it difficult to start and run. For the webers on the Jalpa, the mixture screws should only be 1/4 turn out, as specified in the owners manual.
Possibility 2 - I would bet it is your ignition switch at the key. Very common problem. Your can check your starter by bypassing the solenoid.
Possibility 3 - If it comes down to the ignition switch being the problem, I would recommend replacing it.
Possibility 4 - Jump the starter to see if the starter is functional. Just be sure the car is in neutral and the parking brake is on. You do not want to get run over working on your car.
Possibility 5 - Pull the spark plugs and check them. You may need to clean or replace them.
Possibility 6 - When this happened to me, it was my alternator was on its way out.
Possibility 7 - Check your battery to see if it has 14 volts and secondly (with car running), check that the alternator is charging the battery.
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