Newbie with Ignition issues and burning points

[jimjiminyjimjim]

Thanks JJ for all your help - much appreciated.

[Dell Boy]

They run fine on a standard Rascal coil. Can`t figure out why they fitted an Escort one. Derek.

[jimjiminyjimjim]

Doesn't the electronic ignition require a little more power? I think Joey found that his didn't even start with his old rascal coil.

I definitely think my van is running a little worse on the standard rascal coil than it was with the escort coil - only a little though - just a bit less forgiving between changing gears, dropping down up hills etc. Mind you it didn't burn out like the escort one.

Did the original electronic ignition rascals come with standard coils?

Are others running there vans well on the standard coils?

[J J 007]

the wife is in hospital at the moment will get the details on the coil asap they do make a difference there was something on this site about the coils if i remember rite

[jimjiminyjimjim]

Thanks JJ - I've managed to source a matching coil from Tim at Bedford Rascal.com

I'm hoping it will solve my rough engine issues. Although my van cut out on me today, just complete loss of power, thought it might be another coil. But it started immediately and got me home.

Going to take Titch's advice and check valve clearances next - as the rattling is still there even with a new dizzy.

Derek also suggested blocked carb - but not sure if I have the technical know how to take it to bits to clean. Is it an easy thing to clean a carb? Is it easier to take one off and replace it with a refurb?

Also probably worth noting is my fuel pump has never been the same since I changed the fuel filter. It clicks eratically and I think a fair bit faster than one a second - could it be a fuel pump issues or a blockage causing a fuel pump issue maybe?

These are the next three things on my list once I have eliminated all ignition issues.

[Dell Boy]

You have air in the fuel supply pipes. You need to bleed it out. Derek.

[jimjiminyjimjim]

Hi Derek - thanks for the tip - how do you go about doing that? Thanks!!

[>>CHOP<<]

mmmmmmmmm...im not so sure about air in system...unless the fuel pipe between tank and pump has a leak and pump is drawing air in .....try puuling fuel return pipe off and putting it into a jar...check for a steady flow of fuel...look for bubbles in fuel filter...where do you live jim..?

[jimjiminyjimjim]

Hi Chop,

I noticed a perish on the fuel pipe when I changed the fuel filter - where the circlip clamped it around the filter. So I've changed  fuel line. But it's never been quite right since.

I'll try your suggestion and let you know what the results are.

I'm in Oval - South London by the way.

[Dell Boy]

When you changed the pump I guess you didn`t bleed the air out of the fuel line. My workshop/yard is in Dartford if you want to bring it in for sorting. Derek.

[jimjiminyjimjim]

I've checked the valve clearances and they did need adjusting - but no sign of stopping the rattling that I'm getting. I can't seem to track it down to anything else yet. I'll keep looking!! The other noise I also get a soft whistle coming from the fan/belt/alternator area. I'm also looking into that as well.

Anyway - I digress - after checking valve clearances and putting in the right coil for the distributor the van seems to be running much better - I'm going to take it down to Dorset this weekend and give it a good run out and hopefully won't get into any trouble with coils/stalling etc.

On the fuel pump - I had a look round and couldn't see any perishes, fuel leaking anywhere. I haven't tried the jam jar test yet - so I'll report back on that shortly.

Thanks very much for the offer Derek. I might take you up on that. I've got a week off beginning in April so I might run over to yours at some point and get you to cast your expert eye over it. I can't believe I haven't found this wealth of Rascal knowledge earlier!!!

[J J 007]

i live near near lyndhurst give me a ring if you have time could meet up 07796244098 j j

[jimjiminyjimjim]

Hi guys,

Just an update - the van seems to be running very well now. I took it down to Reading and back today. Running smoothly. Just a small problem at the start of the run - the van spluttered and lost power. I think this is definitely fuel - it started just fine after that.

I've noticed that if I turn my ignition on first time - sometimes the fuel pump doesn't click at all. Then if I turn it on and off a few times - it then starts clicking. I can also hear an almost squirting/gurgling noise sometimes. Then as mentioned before the fuel pump is clicking almost once every half second.

With this and the cutting out - I definetly think there is either a fuel/air leak somewhere or bubbles in the system.

Is it an easy job to bleed the fuel lines? Apart from the fuel lines and joins - are there other places air can normally get in?

This is the last thing I need to sort before I can start to get my confidence back in my vans reliability after this spate of issues!!!

[TITCH]

Well to me this sounds like either your fuel pump is iffy, or simply change all rubber fuel pipe where need. Metal fuel pipes that are attached to the chassis usually last very very well, but to eliminate it, use rubber fuel pipe throughout the system, make sure it's fastened well and maybe give your fuel pump a 'service' cleaning up terminals etc??
Titch

[>>CHOP<<]

yes titch is right im thinking also you have either a dodgy pump or dodgy connections...the pump should go like the clappers when first turned on then slow down to a steady tick tick...if its not doing anything sometimes then you have a bad connection...further investigation is required...CHOP