Troubleshooting electrical problems can be very tedious and trying. Let's start with a simple case of troubleshooting electrical/starting related problem.
There is nothing quite as frustrating as a car that won’t start,
especially when you don’t have a clue of what to do about it. Of
course, sometimes the problem is a major one that will require serious
attention. Often times, though, the problem can be easily solved. Here
is a 17 point fault finding check list that will help you to identify and
correct the possible causes of your frustration.
(1) If the starter drive is jammed the engine won’t turn over, put the
car in gear and rock backwards and forwards.
(2) If the battery is defective or flat it will have to be recharged. Make
sure the connections are clean and tight.
(3) Check the solenoid electrical connections. Clean and tighten if
necessary.
(4) If the car slowly turns over but does not fire, check whether the
starter motor is faulty. If so, it will need to be repaired or replaced.
(5) Check the spark plugs. Adjust or replace the contact breaker
points. Wipe dry the Ht leads and distributor cap interior.
(6) Check inside the distributor cap. Spray the inside with a water
repellent, then wipe it dry with a clean cloth.
(7) Check the ballast resistor and ignition feed for faulty connections.
(8) Fuel may not be reaching the carburettor as the result of a
blockage or a faulty fuel pump. Disconnect the fuel pipe from the
carburettor and check to see if this is the case. If there is a blockage
try tapping the pipe. Blow through the pipe to clear any blockage.
(9) There may be a blockage in the carburettor itself. Strip the
carburettor and clean up the fuel jets.
(10) The cylinders may be flooded with petrol. Hold the accelerator
pedal hard to the floor and turn the engine over without using the
choke. If the engine doesn’t fire take out the spark plugs, dry them,
then refit them and try to start the car again.
(11) If the engine backfires, the ignition timing is incorrect. Adjust the
timing.
(12) Check that the air filter is not excessively blocked. If it is clean it
and try starting the car.
(13) In a fixed-jet carburettor, the idle jet may be blocked. Remove
the idle-jet and blow it clear.
(14) If there is a loud screeching sound when you start the engine,
the fan belt or the power steering drive belt may be loose or worn.
Adjust the belt tension.
(15) If the engine stalls while it is cold, the idling speed is too low.
Adjust the idle speed screw or the choke fast idle screw on the
carburettor until the speed is correct.
(16) If the engine stalls while it is hot, the choke may not be opening
completely. Check that the choke cable is returning fully and that the
choke flap is opening.
(17) Check to see if there is an air leak in the inlet manifold. Look out
for a hissing noise at the inlet manifold joints. If so, check and tighten
the manifold nuts.
With a little luck, you will have your engine firing well before you reach
the end of this check list.
More to this section coming soon.
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