austin metro Vanden plas automatic....viewing today

[bub2006]

Electronic ignition dizzys still suffer with damp though don't they? Wondering if tgat is the problem at all?

[Mr_Bo11ox]

I think all these A-series metros had points from the factory, even while the A-series maestros had elec ignition

[bub2006]

No,this one is definitely electronic. According to Haynes anyway.

[xtriple]

Haynes said mine had electronic.... it didn't!  If it is electronic I apologise, but they do all suffer with carbon build up in the dizzy cap which holds moisture and makes starting a chore. Always good to clean the cap and get the electrode bits (what are they really called?) free of crud. Also give the rotor arm a good clean....

 

Yes, Easy start as a habit is VERY bad as it's basically ether and cars can get addicted to it (not really addiction like a smack head, more it removes carbon and oil and makes compression drop - bad news) but as a one off after a long lay off, okay.

[Stroller133]

That story just gets sadder and sadder. I was hoping for a happy ending, but now I'm just going to bed. I'll probably cry a bit as I climb the stairs.

There was a happy ending of sorts. I sold the Mini to my mate for £60 and a few months later he had to pay a scrapman £20 to take it away. Just shows how the bottom end of the Mini market has changed. I bought the car for about £150 with t&t, I imagine even when I'd done with it (destroyed it!) it would fetch £300+ now and doubt any mot'd mini can be found for much less than a grand now.

[Stroller133]

I'd love an early Vanden Plas Metro. Even though they had no features to speak of, they still appeared to be upmarket compared to the basic models. The later one have leather and electric windows but somehow seem less classy than the mk1 VP.

[oman5]

I would try giving it a squirt of fresh petrol into the carb then see if it fires. Modern fuel apparently has a short shelf life. A-Series are normally very willing starters, it's something to try before you start dismantling anyway.

[twosmoke300]

No,this one is definitely a two stroke diesel. According to Haynes anyway.

FTFY

[purplebargeken]

Win. More win once you get her running though.

[bub2006]

Knowing Haynes twosmoke,you probably not far off the mark! Thanks ken.

[Craig the Princess]

Warm up your spark plugs with 20 minutes in the oven. I prefer to run out of a can rather than old fuel out of the tank. Dab of was start is fine as a one off.

[bub2006]

Still unsure on the easy start,contemplating a bit of free fuel down the inlet of the carb. Bit tricky heating plugs as the car is currently 6 miles away at a friends house on the driveway there.

[Craig the Princess]

Ah, yes should have read a bit closer.