Expert: Sean Halliday - 11/28/2008

Question
Hi, I understand this is a British car and may not be your usual cuppa, but any ideas that can help would be greatly appreciated.

I am wondering about two things (perhaps?); compression and fuel reservoir??. My only guide is an illustrated owners manual, which is very useful but limited.

Firstly a description:

My 62 Wolseley is a great runner and normally does not give me a problem. Though, she simply won't start. I have put fuel in, checked the plugs, made sure the generator/starter motor is not jammed and checked the electrical circuit. All are fine. Then I've checked the distributor, also fine.

After a few wobbly splutters, the starter has stopped trying? Now the first stage of the ignition switch turns on the fuel pump (rather noisy), while the second stage of the switch just clicks and silences the pump.

Compression?
I am not a mechanic, I teach English Lit, but i am guessing that i am not achieving compression to pull fuel into the carbs? Part of this assumption is based on the empty fuel reservoir under the bonnet.

I am hoping to get some help (muscle) to try a push start, which i think may do it, but i live in a very flat place and do not want to leave this problem unsolved as I don't expect to have some help to push if it happens again and the car weighs 1600kg.

Ideas: 1- push start ,
      2- ignition spray into the air filter ,
      3- brimming full fuel tank ,
      4- expensive mechanic......  ??????????      

Ps. The battery charge is fine.

Thanks, any help is greatly appreciated.

Tim
Gisborne
New Zealand

Answer
I am familiar with this car and have worked on many of them.First clue is the fuel reservoir under the bonnet.This must be full of fuel before the engine starts and you can push it for miles with no results if this has no fuel you are wasting your time pushing.So,back to basics and you can check all of these.For any engine on any car to run it needs specific requirements,1,correct amount of air/fuel mix,2..correct timing....3 compression good enough to fire the cylinder...4..a good spark.If you have a good spark, then check timing and compression which should be 120 psi or better per cylinder.The timing will be set at 0 degrees at TDC cylinder number one with the rotor pointing at #1 on the distributor cap tower.From what you say its possible a fuel jam from the tank to the carb so remove the fuel line into the carb/sight glass, and see if it pumps any fuel when the key is in position one and you can hear the pump run.Dont hold it on too long as the fuel will come out pretty quick and is a fire hazard.The starter problem sounds like the battery has gone flat so get a charger and hook it up overnight to fully charge the battery.Lastly,the fuel will go into the engine with very little compression at all.The car will flood if the compression is too low and simply not fire as the compression is not high enough to ignite the fuel so what you will get is a flooded engine.My opinion is a dead battery and fuel starvation so when your little glass is full the car should start.So,you have to check,spark,,timing,,,when i say timing there is a mark on the crankshaft pulley which will be 0 degrees and when the #1 cylinder is at TDC,the rotor in the distributor will be pointing at the #1 plug wire.If you didnt touch any of the timing or removed the distributor then dont worry about timing.Next is the fuel supply.Check like i said by removing the fuel line to the carb or sight glass,if you get all working then see if it runs.If i remember correctly the little glass has a filter inside and may be simply gummed up.