robsumb Posted April 26, 2013 Share Posted April 26, 2013 Hello all, I'm looking for a mechanic in Devon, preferably Dartmoor that might be able to help me. My SUMB has been neglected for a few months and will not start, in the winter it would start and run for a few seconds then clonk out. I've checked the obvious things like battery, spark plugs, alternator, fuel etc but she will turn over fast but not fire. It's a mystery to me! But she must be moved for an approaching wedding and for some cosmetic work. A few local mechanics and engineers have had a fiddle but no luck and everyone I call is reluctant to get involved with an old military vehicle for some reason! Any ideas on what might be the problem or of any garages I could call? She's a 1959 petrol V8 cheers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fordf30 Posted April 26, 2013 Share Posted April 26, 2013 Hello all, I'm looking for a mechanic in Devon, preferably Dartmoor that might be able to help me. My SUMB has been neglected for a few months and will not start, in the winter it would start and run for a few seconds then clonk out. I've checked the obvious things like battery, spark plugs, alternator, fuel etc but she will turn over fast but not fire. It's a mystery to me! But she must be moved for an approaching wedding and for some cosmetic work. A few local mechanics and engineers have had a fiddle but no luck and everyone I call is reluctant to get involved with an old military vehicle for some reason! Any ideas on what might be the problem or of any garages I could call? She's a 1959 petrol V8 cheers. Hi Rob, Having had a few of the british flatheads in the past it may be that you need a new coil, lucas do a hi power non ballast resisted one! std coil wont do as you have effectively 2 engines each of 4 cylinders. Also the condensor may be breaking down and lastly I did have a batch of 3 NOS rotor arms which were all u/s. I suppose the material breaks down with age ! Good luck, Andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robsumb Posted April 26, 2013 Author Share Posted April 26, 2013 Thanks Andy, I'll have a look and see what I turn up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paulbrook Posted April 26, 2013 Share Posted April 26, 2013 Online diagnostics are impossible...a million good ideas based on nothing! Are you in the AA or RAC? They are pretty good even with old stuff. If you are really really stuck give me a call and I will talk you through the fault finding basics. Try and get me at coffee time or lunchtime though not 10 pm on a sunday! The number is on my website. Paul Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
g0ozs Posted April 26, 2013 Share Posted April 26, 2013 Hi Having had a V8 SUMB my problems were all with fuel supply to the engine rather than electrics. I'd check that the fuel pump is lifting fuel from the tank and the pipe is full all the way to the carburettor - easily tested by disconnecting the pipe to the carburettor and cycling the pump manually to see if fuel comes out - otherwise it will fire and run for a short while on what's left in the carburettor and then stop. There's a lever facing forward and down at the bottom of the fuel pump that needed 50-100 cycles to charge the system on mine before attempting to start after a few weeks standing. I have most of the manuals in PDF if you need anything PM me. Regards Iain Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robsumb Posted May 14, 2013 Author Share Posted May 14, 2013 Fuel supply is fine and Ive tried injecting fresh petrol into the cylinders so don't think that's the problem. If only you worked from Devon Paul, a rusty truck specialist is just what I need. Very nearly got her going today but still no luck. I'm going to get a new set of NGK spark plugs but am not sure what I need? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brucie Posted May 14, 2013 Share Posted May 14, 2013 Hi Rob I live in Devon (Morchard Bishop) if that is any good, I am an ex army mechanic and have worked on V8's albeit the Landrover 1 Tonne. I was working in the trade (HGV side) up to ten years ago when I did a side move to the dreaded H&S before taking early retirement, if you dont live to far away from me I maybe able to pop up and we can both tackle it? Regards Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
haybaggerman Posted May 23, 2013 Share Posted May 23, 2013 Hi Rob I live in Devon (Morchard Bishop) if that is any good, I am an ex army mechanic and have worked on V8's albeit the Landrover 1 Tonne. I was working in the trade (HGV side) up to ten years ago when I did a side move to the dreaded H&S before taking early retirement, if you dont live to far away from me I maybe able to pop up and we can both tackle it? Regards Good to know there are other Devonians about. Was beginning to think I was the only one. I live just the other side of Winkleigh. Cheers Paul Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andym Posted May 24, 2013 Share Posted May 24, 2013 Good to know there are other Devonians about. Was beginning to think I was the only one. I live just the other side of Winkleigh. Cheers Paul Some of us just visit to work on our vehicles! Andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
haybaggerman Posted May 26, 2013 Share Posted May 26, 2013 That's a good reason to visit Devon if ever I heard one Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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