Won't start when hot

[Captain Hazzard]

I'm not sure if my problem is over heating or not. My 126 air cooled won't start again if its hot. It runs and drives ok, but when I turn off the car, say to get petrol, it won't start again until the engine has thoroughly cooled down.

Could the oil on the engine be anything to do with it? It looks like I might have a bit of a leak.

[richard]

nice care btw . didnt i see it on ebay ?

it looks a nice tidy motor .. wish i could help you but ive never come across the problem myself to advise you .

however i have heard this problem before so i am sure someone can help .

off top of my head i would suggest give it a good service esp OIL CHANGE . and also change the o ring behind the crackshaft and check thermostat flap  isnt stuck  


sorry i cant be more helpful  i am sure more knowledgeable members will help

[Captain Hazzard]

Yes, I got it from ebay, I was looking for a cheap car near me, and this fitted the bill perfectly! I've not owned a vehicle yet that doesn't get stared at!

Cheers for the help man, I've already given it an oil change, I'll look at the rest of the stuff you mentioned too. Where is the thermostat flap?

[richard]

its part of the engie cowling

and opens at your distributer  ( well on to it )

just follow your engine case down till u se eyour dizzie , then look right there should be a little springed flap ..

thats it

[PaulB]

One common cause is the timing is a little too advanced - it will make it run well but is a pain to start when hot. Try resetting the valves (when stone cold), the points and the timing (in that order).

[ChrisRLewis]

Dont forget to check the contact points gap. This can effect the ignition timing if it's changed also check the condenser which can also cause the problem you are having.

Best to put a set of new contact points and a condenser you will then know they are then ok. They only cost a few quid so worth doing.

The thermostat flap is shown on this thread
http://fiat126club.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=884

C
 

[Chris Lakin]

yes, good advice, also check the carburetta,

check the needle valve, someone i know has a 500 estate, his car did exactly that, when hot car wouldnt start again. was worn needle valve which seems odd as u wouldnt think it would stop car starting when hot.

hope this helps

regards

Chris

[126dave]

looks to me that it was unloved,a full service is needed to set your self a bench mark,do the lot,then im sure it will be fine,126's can cope with lots of abuse,have you had one before??? if not,do not try to change down into 1st while moving...................they do not like that at all...........

nice looking car tho. :cool:

[RossH]

Hey Captain H!

I bought a 126 bis a few months ago and am having the same problems as you: starts fine when cold but wont fire when hot.  the only way i can get it to fire is by flooring the accelerator with the choke full on and it fires in a cloud of smoke then splutters and dies.  

I have yet to adjust the points / timing / valve clearances, I was just wondering whether you ever got the problem solved and what you did to sort it out?

Thanks

Ross

[Chris Lakin]

change the needle in the carb, and check the float isnt cracked.

repair kit is about £15 for the carb which doesnt include the float

might be worth replacing the fuel pump if not new, but i will put it down to a carb probelm, possibly a blocked jet.

regards

Chris

[PaulB]

Also sort out your timing and tappets - too advanced and hot starting will become a pain, but you should have them set anyway or you will create all sorts of problems. Easy to do tappets (when engine is stone cold), points and timing in that order, then adjust your tickover speed when engine is hot.

Also essential to change fit/change fuel filter and engine and gear oil and coolant and clean the oil filter  and check spark plugs.

[RossH]

Hey guys,

Thanks for the advice.  I'll see if I can get hold of that car refurb kit from Ricambio, sounds like a good plan.  

I can check the valve clearances, but where do I know what they should be?

Also, can i adjust the points and timing without a tach?  ...  I'm a bit new to this game..

....I just started wondering where the other set of valves and rocker cover would be from the one I took off the other day to fit the exhaust - and realised there is only one rocker cover! - Makes things nice and easy