Vehicle Starting

John Bevan · Posted: Mon Apr 12, 2021 7:38 pm Post subject: Vehicle Starting

Evening All I have a 1995 Continental S that will not start at present. Regrettably my garage has been blocked in by scaffolding for 6 months due to some urgent house repairs so it is this long since I have started the car. The car is on a trickle charger so no battery issues (in fact the battery is several years old so I have bought and tried a premium new battery this afternoon). The car spins over lovely but will not catch. I do not consider myself to be a master mechanic so I am a little lost. You do hear things about petrol nowadays going "off" quicker than previously thought but I would have thought that at 6 months I would still be in date ?
Any ideas what would be the likely cause of the non starting ?
Many thanks for your help
Regards John.

Philip Edginton · Posted: Mon Apr 12, 2021 10:09 pm Post subject:

First thoughts are; can you hear the fuel pump ticking with the ignition on but not attempting to crank engine.Have you checked fuses and relays.
Second thought, have you got home start breakdown with your insurance.

Third afterthought, is there suitable access to the car to work on it.

will keep eye open on this post.

John Bevan · Posted: Tue Apr 13, 2021 6:51 am Post subject: Vehicle Starting

Morning Phillip The fuel pump ticking could be a good lead.
I will try this and report back. John.

Nicholas Simons · Posted: Tue Apr 13, 2021 8:36 am Post subject:

The two things to check are spark and petrol. Check whether you are getting petrol to the engine by loosening a suitable union whilst cranking. Check for spark by removing a spark plug lead and holding close to the block, again whilst cranking ( and using an insulated tool ). Six month old petrol should not be a problem.

Stephen Blakey · Posted: Tue Apr 13, 2021 10:36 am Post subject:

There was a case in the press recently where the AA was called out to a non-starting SZ series Bentley. The AA chap took one of the plugs out and got the owner to crank the engine. Evidently the fuel injectors were healthy as a strong mist of fuel came out of the plug hole. He must have been cranking for quite a while to eject enough fuel for the subsequent conflagration which was caught, as everything is these days, on a camera phone. The car was a total loss.

Do be careful. This might be a job for a specialist as I don't fancy your chances breaking into the EFI system to check for fuel.

pspurr · Posted: Sun Apr 18, 2021 1:08 pm Post subject:

Hi John,

The problem with your car not starting is a relay, located in the engine compartment by the drivers side spring pot. I have attached a picture. You will need to renew this relay as it can't be swapped with any of the others because it is the only one like it on the car. When it doesn't work it cuts out the fuel pumps, hence your engine cranking but not starting. They are available to purchase from a Bentley dealer or Flying Spares.

Hope this helps,

Paul

Philip Edginton · Posted: Mon Apr 19, 2021 7:34 pm Post subject:

Now that is what I call helpful.