Engine Start

September 9th-18th

Been busy after work getting all the connections solders. Chris has phoned up and said he would like to pop down next weekend to get the engine started. So need to get the engine bay wiring done. It's a bit of a slow process finding correct wire, then soldering but a job worth doing. Done all the wiring for Chris's arrival. First jobs, cut alternator bolts to size, fit alternator belt and run fuel lines. These was done by about lunch time. Before turning the key measured resistance across battery wiring connectors with battery disconnected. Tested for resistance at each stage of the ignition key. All seemed well with no shorts. Now for the turn of the key. First connected up instrument panel and connected battery and three positive feeds to relays. Turned the key to ignition. Oil and battery lights lit. A good sign. Turned to start but no spark. Got new distributor cap, rotor arm. Still no good. Down breakers and got another coil. Still no good. Also noticed fuel pump not going. Chris had an idea. Connected fuel pump manually to another battery using jump leads so a continuous supply of fuel to engine. Turn key to ignition but not start. Shorted connectors on solenoid using screw driver and engine burst into life! With flames shooting out the exhaust. What a good noise. Time to open a beer with Chris!.

But there was still a problem with the ignition key not being able to start the engine. Also noticed rear exhaust cam was pouring out oil. Found out there was no seal there! But that was the only leak left to plug. While down at the breakers getting the coil from a Rover 800, found a bracket that would do the job of mounting ECU and relay box. Also got another relay box just in case the other was faulty.

Also unexpected, found some good seats. But at a good price. did not know if they would be available again so got them while I could.

After speaking to some other 5EXI builders, found the problem with the engine not starting on the key. The green marlin wire was connected to the wrong wire on the ignition switch.

September 19th

Changed wire on ignition switch and started first time off the key. Also got cam seal and fitted all ok.

Looked at the wiring. Now the battery and ECU are all in place, and after all the wires trying to trouble shot with earth cables, The whole lot needs disconnecting, rerouting and re soldered!

But at least I know know the engine bay wiring and it was correct!.


	Engine Start September 9th-18th Been busy after work getting all the connections solders. Chris has phoned up and said he would like to pop down next weekend to get the engine started. So need to get the engine bay wiring done. It's a bit of a slow process finding correct wire, then soldering but a job worth doing. Done all the wiring for Chris's arrival. First jobs, cut alternator bolts to size, fit alternator belt and run fuel lines. These was done by about lunch time. Before turning the key measured resistance across battery wiring connectors with battery disconnected. Tested for resistance at each stage of the ignition key. All seemed well with no shorts. Now for the turn of the key. First connected up instrument panel and connected battery and three positive feeds to relays. Turned the key to ignition. Oil and battery lights lit. A good sign. Turned to start but no spark. Got new distributor cap, rotor arm. Still no good. Down breakers and got another coil. Still no good. Also noticed fuel pump not going. Chris had an idea. Connected fuel pump manually to another battery using jump leads so a continuous supply of fuel to engine. Turn key to ignition but not start. Shorted connectors on solenoid using screw driver and engine burst into life! With flames shooting out the exhaust. What a good noise. Time to open a beer with Chris!. But there was still a problem with the ignition key not being able to start the engine. Also noticed rear exhaust cam was pouring out oil. Found out there was no seal there! But that was the only leak left to plug. While down at the breakers getting the coil from a Rover 800, found a bracket that would do the job of mounting ECU and relay box. Also got another relay box just in case the other was faulty. Also unexpected, found some good seats. But at a good price. did not know if they would be available again so got them while I could. After speaking to some other 5EXI builders, found the problem with the engine not starting on the key. The green marlin wire was connected to the wrong wire on the ignition switch. September 19th Changed wire on ignition switch and started first time off the key. Also got cam seal and fitted all ok. Looked at the wiring. Now the battery and ECU are all in place, and after all the wires trying to trouble shot with earth cables, The whole lot needs disconnecting, rerouting and re soldered! But at least I know know the engine bay wiring and it was correct!.