tried to start the car this morning to give me some motivation and, obviously, it wont.

It has been running fine if a bit rich.

On the starter it splutters like there is some combustion going on (i.e. its not just spinning on the starter) and it does fire up half the time but then heavily labours for a second or two before dying again.

I've had the plugs out, they were a bit wet from me messing about but quite sooty so I've cleaned the tips as best I can with some fine paper.

I tidied all the engine bay wiring this week so I have untidied it to check all the edis/coil/MJ/VR sensor connections and they're all fine.

I've got a good connection at the battery with just under 12v across it before starting.

"Can you tell what it is yet?"

any help appreciated.

plugs dont like getting wet it buggers them. It causes tracking of the spark down the insulator.

heat them up and try drying them out.

Frustrating I know, but having read one of your other recent posts, why don't you have a weekend off? It'll be something simple next week. I've got issues with mine at the mo, but I'm going to sit in the warm and play Wii with the kids today!

Yes, have a week off, and youll find it first time next week.

Try new plugs. It could be the gaps?? have you checked them?

Check all of your leads are secured properly and connecting as they should.

Have a clear up of the garage, throw a sheet over it and leave it for a while if this doesnt work. I think if it were me, id take all the leads, EDIS and ECU off and start again next time.

Actually, as above, do check the plugs for gods sake! If I'm honest mine was off the road for at least a month last year due to the plugs. I had so many other things in bits I forgot bout them. I put some of those Bosch Super 4 plugs in and bingo!

Check plug gap, heat with a blow torch (gently - if that isn't too much of a paradox) put them in while they're still warm/hot and see if it goes!

What engine
what carbs
what spark plugs [ make ] are they a good make?

thanks everyone.

I think i will try new plugs this afternoon.

The engine is a c20xe
carbs are zx9rs
spark plugs are old ones thats all i know

quote:

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Originally posted by cd.thomson

spark plugs are old ones thats all i know

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Tghink about the basics. It needs fuel, spark and air. Compression handy too!
I would be looking at the plugs carefully, make sure there is a spark at all 4, (not as easy as it was in the old days, but those clear cap things you can put on a plug should work.
And I'll put my cards on the table here re plugs. I will not use ANY unless they are genuine OE (no equivilents) or NGK. Had nothing but problems when I have used champion, and to a lesser extent bosch. NGK stuff seems to last forever too.
The heating a plug with a blowtorch is a very good tip as well, it really dries them off and helps the car get going, as once the plugs get fouled they can be a right pain. Sometimes they never recover
Of course worth giving the fuel situation the once over if you have any doubts, and if the chance a quick CR check is always a good idea, if nothing else it is reassuring.

Best of luck to you. I have the same issue. So when you've tracked down your problem, you can come over and sort mine!!

I strongly suspect bad plugs in my case, as each coil is getting power and can fire at least one plug. I haven't changed mine yet, but it's first on the list today. Also check coil earthing.

got it working now guys, it seems the carbs are being tempermental in the cold weather and careful use of the choke/throttle is enough to get it going before it warms up.