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Dr Strangeglove

Well-Known Member
I have a 1991 RRC 3.9 efi that is taking time to start. I only use it once a week or even longer gaps than that. I have problems starting first thing. Takes a bit of turning over before it gradually starts to kick in. It then slowly comes to life.

The worst times are cold mornings after a few damp days (which is quite often living in Lancashire). It is then used for a 10 minute journey to where I am going, the a gap of about 4 hours before making the return journey.

My thoughts are perhaps the distributor cap, plug leads may be worth changing.

Any thoughts appreciated including what type/make to get and where to get them. Also any other ideas that may help that I could try.

Thanks for any help and advice.
 
I think the problem is not so much it's infrequent use as the short journeys. My 3.5efi parks in the open & often doesn't get used for 2 or 3 weeks & still is on the button every time, but then my regular trip is similar to yours - 12 miles then a stand of 3 to 4 hours before a return - OK in the summer months but not so good in winter. It's possible that your dissy cap has become a bit porous with age & I suggest you replace it with a genuine part. When I used to keep old military vehicles in a barn during the winter months I used to cover the electrical components with an old blanket as that prevented condensation. A slow cranking speed could, apart from the battery of course, be down to a bad earth or tired starter - maybe a high-torque starter would be a good investment.
 
Thanks for the replys, it is much appreciated.

The battery was a bit low on power but it showed no sign of firing. I squirted the dizzy cap and leads with a water displacement and from a jump is started quite quickly then, hence the question on cap and leads.

If I get a new dizzy cap, should I get a genuine part or will a Lucas do (or another good make) as I see a big difference in price. I believe in buy right buy once, so I will go for the genuine part if that is what is needed, but at the same time I don't buy named brands for the sake of it when there is another that is the same or better quality - again your experience here will be much appreciated (also recommendations on where to buy). If I do the cap should I do the leads as well.

Many thanks so far.

M
 
I have ordered some of the damp start. I will give that a go and hopefully that will give me an indication if it is the leads and cap, then get them on order. If I feel its any of the other items mentioned (if the damp start does not work) then at least I can order at the same time.

I have looked on Paddocks site and they show HT leads, original at £62 and performance silicon leads at £30. Would the performance ones not be better?

Thanks for all your help guys.

M
 
Dr Strangeglove said:
I have ordered some of the damp start. I will give that a go and hopefully that will give me an indication if it is the leads and cap, then get them on order. If I feel its any of the other items mentioned (if the damp start does not work) then at least I can order at the same time.

I have looked on Paddocks site and they show HT leads, original at £62 and performance silicon leads at £30. Would the performance ones not be better?

Thanks for all your help guys.

M
Click to expand...
The price tells you the answer. OEM every time.
 
goonarmy said:
The price tells you the answer. OEM every time.
Click to expand...

I often find price is not the best barometer of quality as often a well respected name is used to inflate price. Many times cheaper items are the same as branded ones, just packaged and labeled differently. For instance, I believe many of the power tools in Lidl are the same as the green Bosch ones. What that says of the quality of each ones I don't know, but there is a huge difference in price if they are the same components. Saying that, I only buy Dormer drill bits as I know they are quality, even though they are much more expensive. However, if anyone knows a different brand that are the same as Dormer then please let me know!

As I am not working I have to watch the pennies!!!
 
Dr Strangeglove said:
I often find price is not the best barometer of quality as often a well respected name is used to inflate price. Many times cheaper items are the same as branded ones, just packaged and labeled differently.
As I am not working I have to watch the pennies!!!
Click to expand...

Aren't we all, I'm a poor pensioner :(
You are right in what you say about price vs quality though, fancy packaging may or may not indicate the latter - retailers rely on our lack of inside information.
 
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