Board logo

cant start my 1.8 zetec on bike carbs
Fishface - 17/4/12 at 07:52 AM

ive managed to stop my overfueling of the bike carbs by fitting a new sytec fuel pressure regulator but still cant manage to start the car. Im a bit concerned it could have something to do with a wire from my megajolt loom i made up but i thought id done it as per the guidelines so am not totally covinced.

Whats the best methodical approach to starting it? Howdo i test for spark etc.
All i have had so far is a pop from the exhaust on one occasion and a pop from one of the carbs. Actually since fitting the regulator i dont seem to get much in the way of anything.

dave-69isit - 17/4/12 at 08:04 AM

cliftyhanger - 17/4/12 at 08:23 AM

I wonder if the coilpack is wired correctly? worth double checking if you have spark (it would be 180 out I think) also the crank sensor is very easy( ) to get wired wrongly.

Norfolkluegojnr - 17/4/12 at 09:30 AM

get a spark tester.

linky< br />
check you are getting spark at all first, then back track through your wiring, double check it all. I made a silly mistake when starting mine for the first time ( got two wires mixed up).

Once you have spark, try swapping the wires around on the crank sensor (a common easy error).

Also, make sure you have a useable map on the MJ. If the map is no good, it won't start easily.

If your bike carbs are over fuelling, the best solution is to use a motorbike fuel pump, as they need quite a specific amount of flow/pressure which i found tricky to get right with a red top pump and filter king.

just my experiences. hope it helps!

Fishface - 17/4/12 at 12:34 PM

is there a way of checking the spark by holding one of the leads over the engine or something, or have i watched too many films?

Norfolkluegojnr - 17/4/12 at 12:39 PM

Yes, but be prepared, you can get a bit of a shock

take the plug out, touch the plug onto a grounded surface (block usually works), turn the engine over and look for a spark.

much easier to use a spark tester! but i'm a big girl.....



EDIT: Fishface - you aren't a million miles away, if you get really stuck, I could always pop over for a look?

[Edited on 17/4/12 by Norfolkluegojnr]

whitestu - 17/4/12 at 12:50 PM

quote:

is there a way of checking the spark by holding one of the leads over the engine or something, or have i watched too many films?


Either get a spare old spark plug, or take one out of the engine and connect the plug lead to it.

Make sure the end of the plug is resting on a metal bit of the engine and turn the engine over.

You should see a spark if the ignition is working, without any chance of a 40,000 volts up your arm!

Stu

sjmatthews - 17/4/12 at 05:11 PM

Mine won't start unless I pull the choke out! Every now and then I forget

dan8400 - 19/4/12 at 02:48 PM

quote:
Originally posted by sjmatthews
Mine won't start unless I pull the choke out! Every now and then I forget


I agree.. Mine's the same. 1.8 zetec zx600 carbs. Useless at cold starting. After it's been started the first time it's fine all day


Thanks
Dan

Fishface - 22/4/12 at 08:09 PM

So far, i have tested the spark plug on the block and i get a spark.
I got nothing then following the comment about the choke, slid the bar and I actually get some popping now. It seems to pup out of the carbs and a loud pop from the exhaust.
What does this mean?

Fishface - 22/4/12 at 08:11 PM

just reading them comments back, i havent loaded up a map yet as i cant seem to save to flash drive but thought it would start up on limp home mode. Perhaps the sensor is wired the wrong way round?

Norfolkluegojnr - 23/4/12 at 07:40 AM

As far as I know, it will run in limp home, but not if the MJ is connected. I'd suggest just flashing a map to it, then you can rule that out.

Good news you have a spark, thats a start. so you know something is getting through, and the crank sensor is picking up.

Certainly sounds like you could have backwards wiring on the sensor, check all your earth points too. Have you used shielded cable for the crank sensor? and earthed this through the EDIS?

few other obvious things to check:

leads on the right plugs

plug gaps correct

fuel getting to carbs correctly

fuel in ok condition

let us know how you get on. Maybe a quick shot of EZ start?



[Edited on 23/4/12 by Norfolkluegojnr]

Fishface - 23/4/12 at 11:54 AM

I know its shielded cable for the VR sensor but not sure if or how I earther it back to the MJ. How do you usually earth the cable itself?

also has anyone else had problems writing to the flashdrive i.e megajolt?

Norfolkluegojnr - 23/4/12 at 12:03 PM

there is an earth on the Edis that the shield (the metal surround) of the cable needs to be connected too. I believe this can cause issues.

Sounds more like the senso ros wired backwards though. I had similar issues.

EDIT:- writing to MJ - yep, loads of issues depending on the software and OS of your computer. Ideally you need to use XP, and have a serial port on your computer. some of the USB adapters can give funny readings.

[Edited on 23/4/12 by Norfolkluegojnr]

Fishface - 23/4/12 at 12:09 PM

Thanks for that, will give it a go tonight

Norfolkluegojnr - 23/4/12 at 12:11 PM

keep us posted

Fishface - 28/4/12 at 10:20 AM

Got the beast started this morning....result
It was indeed the wires on the coil wired the wrong way round.

]Thanks for the help everyone

Fizzer - 28/4/12 at 06:14 PM

nice one

Norfolkluegojnr - 30/4/12 at 07:53 AM

Well done! But it didn't happen without a start up video...

Fishface - 30/4/12 at 11:54 AM

sadly couldnt find the camera. Nevermind I will fake one and it will look better as it will start first time

ChrisL - 30/4/12 at 12:37 PM

Result!

Nothing turns glum to glee faster than a stubborn engine starting!
I've got a MJ 1.8 Zetec with ZX6R carbs map if you want a copy?

Fishface - 30/4/12 at 04:32 PM

Yes peeeeeeerfect... That would be awesome, thanks

ChrisL - 30/4/12 at 04:55 PM

Here you go MAP

Fishface - 30/4/12 at 06:55 PM

youre a star, thanks for that.

Much appreciated