Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Maintenance & Servicing Starting my Crossflow

I've been having problems starting my 4/4 over the last few weeks. Engine turns over but doesn't catch. It lives in a council garage which is I'm afraid a bit cold and damp. It refused to start again today so I used some Easy Start down the air intake and it started immediately then ran beautifully on a 20 mile ride.
Now, I know this isn't a product I want to be using regularly as I know it's not good for the engine. My question is, what does this tell me about my starting problems? Is it damp or could it be related to the aged electronic ignition system that is fitted. Ever since I've had this car I've had occasional starting issues both from cold and hot so I'm wondering if a total overhaul of the ignition might be needed.

As ever, any help much appreciated!
Simon

Simon, my rapidly depleting grey cells can just about remember starting a cross flow in a Ford was always helped by a couple of pumps of the accelerator pedal before turning over the engine, the accelerator pump popping 2 shots of fuel into the manifold, I guess you have tried this first?

Sure have, I've had it a couple of years and it's always started from cold even if it's taken a few goes. Just recently though it's reluctant to the point of refusal. It wouldn't have started today without the shot of 'easy start' down the air intake (I'd tried several times over 24 hours) Don't have this trouble with my old mini!

If you have a voltmeter might be worth looking at the coil SW (+) voltage during cranking, Fords often had a ballast boost wire that allowed maximum battery voltage to reach the coil during cranking, not uncommon for those to degrade. If the cars cranking voltage at the coil is low during starting then the coil can't produce maximum output.

Which electronic ignition system is fitted Simon?
I sometimes had problems starting mine, even with a 321 (errr, or similar set of numbers, maybe not in that order!)electronic dizzy fitted.
Does the engine turn over quickly (as when warm)?

Cross flow is a great engine , damp distributer cap , damp electrics won't help if you are getting condensation - WD40 ? I remember not that long ago being in the passenger seat of a cross flow caterham 7 and the sounds of the exhaust were amazing !

Mine has always been difficult to start when cold. I had a block heater in it at one point. That works.

Hello

Might be worth checking the HT leads.

Beauty of such an engined 4/4 is that it shouldn't take long to find culprit.

I recently fitted a period electronic ignition on my newly acquired '74 and its an unused Sparkrite 2000 acquired at Beaulieu auto-jumble last Sept. Although some may consider it's keeping the points as a trigger to be a disadvantage, I like the changeover switch that allows me to go back to standard ignition and rule out the box quickly.

Good hunting…

Cheers

Engine turns over very nicely. I suspect damp is at the root of it but it's only just become a real problem. Will have a look tomorrow to see what the electronic ignition is. My old Mini is being serviced and Mot'd by a retired mechanic who lives in the village tomorrow. I'll have a see what he thinks. Last time I asked him (about two weeks ago!) the car started immediately he arrived laden with spanner,jump leads etc!

Simon

My apologies if I'm assuming you have limited mechanical knowledge, but HT is short for high tension. These are the (normally) black leads that carry the spark from the coil to the distributor and then on the the plugs. Engine can turn over as much as it wants but if the HT leads are in poor condition then car will be difficult to start.

Good luck finding fault.

Cheers