problem with car

[macklin]

I have a sigma gl s/w 1984, ok so it is very old but it was a good second car.
now for the problem last week I got in the car and it would not start sounded as if there was no fuel, I left it and used the other car, returned to it later in the day and it started. 2/3 days later it did the same later in the day I returned to it and it started, a couple of days later I went shopping in it and I parked here and there. I then parked a second or third time went to the shops and returned, it would not start, I sat there for about 30 minutes and then it started. The next day i took it to a local mechanic (monday) and it is still there (Thursday) he is not sure what the problem is, electrical he thinks he has tried a number of things but no luck. It of course is now getting to the point where I may have to say leave it what do I owe you and then try and get it to a wreckers. However maybe somebody has a clue as to the problem maybe

[dazzler]

Sounds like a fuel problem. Has it been stinking hot where you are? Sometimes you can get vapour locks if its very very hot.

Electrical probs normally only occur when its wet or happen once and thats it. He should have checked the electrics on his oscilliscope machine thingamee that I cant remember its name but has a screen like a heart monitor.

Has he replaced the fuel filter?

Is it a mechanical or electric fuel pump? Is it working correctly? On mechanical pumps sometimes the inlet valve that stops fuel flowing back down the line gets crud in it and lets all the fuel run back to the tank.

From memory the 84 model should have electronic ignition with a carburetor and a manual fuel pump. If he has changed the fuel filter and the fuel pump is working fine (tested by taking a line off after the pump and cranking it over) then the next point would probably be to replace the distributor cap, coil, plugs and leads to ensure its not electrical.

Once thats been done there really shouldnt be much left to replace as thats about it. Perhaps pull the carburetor apart and clean in case thier is some water in the fuel bowl playing havic with the jets. Perhaps a carby kit is needed. Some sigmas had a black plastic base to the carby that warped over time. This would mean it was running lean and didnt like to start unless the choke was on and you had your foot flat to the floor.

When you tried to start it I imagine you were winding it over and over for some time before it started.

When it started did it feel sluggish and kind of went - wait for it - boomp boomp boomp boomp and then revvved ok.? This would indicate it was flooded and the problem is either a stuck/damaged/worn needle and seat which is flooding the engine. Once again a carby kit would be needed.

Did you run it very low on fuel before the problem as this may have dragged crud into the carby.

Any which way, these things are space shuttles so any decent mechanic should have it diagnosed pretty quick, saying he cant work it out doesnt cut it sadly.

cheers

[wheelinround]

Try charging the battery or replacing it and see how that helps

One other matter is the key maybe not meeting contacts properly on first turn.

Or starter motor bushes/bearings or solenoid may playing up. This is a common problem with our Camry and have had and repaired similar on other vehicles.

Ray

[Sturdee]

I got in the car and it would not start sounded as if there was no fuel, I left it and used the other car, returned to it later in the day and it started. 2/3 days later it did the same later in the day I returned to it and it started, a couple of days later I went shopping in it and I parked here and there. I then parked a second or third time went to the shops and returned, it would not start, I sat there for about 30 minutes and then it started.

I had the same problem with my Ford Fairmont. Started okay but on a warm day (after driving say to the shops) if I parked it and wanted to restart again within about 30/40 minutes it wouldn't work. After that time no problems.

Got it checked out by the RACV and my local mechanic (who is a great mechanic) as well by an auto electrician. All to no avail, nothing they coulde find. Finally solved by another Ford Fairmont owner/home mechanic who suggested to increase the capacity of the earth lead from the engine onto the battery and increase the battery cranking size.

Did this and never any further problem. This may not be your solution but it is a cheap option for you to try as you can get cheap earth leads from a wrecker and temporarily use the battery out of your other car to test this.


Peter.

[macklin]

thank you all for your detailed replies he could not find anything wrong he tried most of the items mentioned the hot weather i think was not the problem as it happened early in the morning when it was cool. However I have now taken it to a auto electrician for him to have a go. I will print out some of the suggestions for him to look at just in case. The mechanic only charged me $50.00 for all the work he did (taking things out ??? and putting others back in ???)

thanks all

[jow104]

Annoying when you cant find what ias going wrong, used to happen to me middle of last century with old technology.
So heres another one to check out, if you have any rubber/plastic hose that is carrying air to engine or exhausting have they perished and collapsing at inoppotune moments. (check air filter of course)
#Water spray hitting electrics that dont bother engine when it is running because it dries out with engine heat but if dampness is around when starting will play up electrics.

Or its getting old and cantankerous, and says she doesnt do mornings!

[wheelinround]

Macklin being an early computerised auto often the sensors mounted with a paste under them dries out and can cause trouble. Moisture which would form overnight or when vehicle is cool/cold sort of shorts them out, when of course things start to warm up it dissipates and no problem.

Is the vehicle parked in doors or out??

One fellow I know to fix parked his car where the sun would shine onto the motor when bonnet was opened. Every morning he'd would get up go out open the bonnet go indoors and ready himself for work, come out start the car first time now problems.

[Christopha]

The Ex had a Stigma and the heap did that from the day she got it brand new and it just kept getting worse.... horrible car must have been towed further than it was driven.