[M00M]

We changed the battery connectors . Yes car jump started once we tried it . When it doesn't turn over it's the rhrhrhr sound from the engine .

[Bulldogji]

Might I suggest going about the diagnosis in a more systematic manner.



1. Check free , constant and adequate flow of fuel to the carb, both when the engine is cold and at operating temperature.

2. Clean out the carb, fuel tank,replace the fuel filter



3.Check all ignition connections including the ignition switch itself.Also the connections on the ammeter ( if your car has one)

4. Check high tension leads, ignition coil, contact breaker points, condensor, rotor, distributor cap for moisture and other issues.

5.Check battery terminals for sulphation

6. Check proper earthing on the car.



Hope this helps

[1100D]

Originally Posted by M00M

Hi guys, I have some queries and I hope someone can help me out.

So my 1986 Padmini about 2 weeks did a Mumbai to Surat run successfully. It didn't have any problems and drove perfectly fine and my mechanic was able to cover a distance of 300 kms within 7 -8 hours at roughly a speed of 60-80 that also in rain.

I drove the car in Surat for short spins of 2-3 kms in these 2 weeks but I used to start it everyday sometimes even twice and let it idle for a good 10-15 mins.

Last night the car refused to start, it took self but engine didn't turn over, I let it be after trying a few times.

In the morning I tried again but still it wouldn't turn over, I let it be again.

After an hour I tried to start it again, it started, I raced it a little, let it idle for 10-15 then I went for a 2-3 kms spin and came back and I raced it a little bit but the moment I left the accelerator it switched off on its own.

I spoke to my mechanic in Mumbai he told me to start the car after switching off the electric fuel pump that we have in the car, but it didn't start rather it started only with it being on auto.

Now the car doesn't even take self. So I have let it rest.

My mechanic told me it could be loose wiring on the ignition, or battery or fuel pump. I am wondering what the issue is ?

Hope somebody can help me out. Thanks .

What is complicating the understanding is your usage of the terms "Takes self" "doesn't turn over".

"Doesn't turn over" usually means the engine is not cranking/rotating at all
"takes self" usually indicates cranking

with this in mind, your definition means that you can hear the Starter engage, but nothing else happens. However you're also speaking about the "rhrhrhr sound from the engine"

Do you mean that it is "turning over but not starting up"?

If that is the case, how is the "turning over, speed". Does it start up each time you try with a better battery?

[M00M]

Originally Posted by 1100D

..."Doesn't turn over" usually means the engine is not cranking/rotating at all

"takes self" usually indicates cranking....

Doesn't turn over meaning you hear the starter engage and engine makes rhrrhr noise but it doesn't start. Right now after cleaning carb and installing new battery terminals it starts up quickly however due to rains I am not taking it out for a drive as I don't want it to catch rust as it is carefully parked under my shaded parking. The only thing I can do is start it and let it idle for 5-10 mins.

[the mole]

Originally Posted by M00M

.........Due to rains and parking issues I cannot take it out daily but I do make it a point to start it daily and let it idle for about 5-10 mins. After a week or so I took it out, car ran for 5 kms and then I returned and it went off again, engine didn't turn over again so I let it be for a few mins, after 5 mins it turned over and I reversed and parked it in its spot. After sometime took it out for another 2 kms spin and on the way it went off while at a U turn, had to push and jump start it in the 2nd gear, afterwards brought it back and tried to reverse but again it went off after which the engine didn't turn over again even after letting the engine cool off. Had to call the mechanic as we had to push the car into the parking spot, he came and said there was kachra in carburettor, he blew thru it and removed it and the engine turned over. Now have to fill up engine oil as it's showing low and take it out for a longer drive. .....

I think this is a vapour lock issue. You need to get a electric fuel pump installed if not already. I think the petrol mix in the last year or so has changed because of which it vaporises at lower temperatures then before. It has been happening for me in all cars that ran very well a year ago but suddenly stall after some operating temperature is reached. What I did to check this issue was I poured a bottle of cold water on the mechanical fuel pump and the fuel line in the engine compartment and immediately the car started. Try this!

[KkVaidya]

Originally Posted by the mole

I think this is a vapour lock issue. You need to get a electric fuel pump installed if not already.

If an Electronic fuel pump is installed, pl. do not forget to put a "T" connector which returns one line back to the fuel tank. Drilling a new hole in the tank would be required.

[ilangop]

Hi all.
In the year end vacation I was able to spend some time with my Padmini.
Fixed a few more door panel clips on the top side. Initially there were only 2. Padmini needs 4 per front door.



Installed a side mirror from Mahindra Jeeto, in place of the already installed Tata Nano side mirror. To install the Jeeto mirror, a small spacer about 3 mm thick was needed. Rest of the installation is straight forward





The window glass channel was fully rusted and needed replacement. But as you all know about the scarcity, I asked if the welder could prepare one with something he had in his collections. He thought for a while, pulled out a rectangular channel, with his grinding machine he made it into an U section.
Welded the rope mounts from old channel to the new. And it was ready in 20 minutes. I was fully impressed with his skills.

[ilangop]

Fed up of rust in the tank made me think of alternate options. Thought of aluminium & stainless options. But finding a fabricator and getting one prepared at my home town is again a difficult task. Suddenly I remembered our neighbour's Tata Ace. Of course it had a steel tank. However got to know from a commercial vehicles dealer that Ace also came with plastic diesel tank on some models. And that was good news. Grabbed the part number, placed the order and it was ready for grabs. Price 2287/-.
After removing the old tank, tried fitting this plastic tank at the same place. The gap between the tank and spring leaf was too small. The tank was too close to tail pipe on the right side. The height of the Ace tank was more that the tank would hang too low posing a risk of getting damaged easily.
Plan B. Place the tank as in an Ambassador. Just behind the rear seat. Did some measurements to clear the spare wheel. But in this method the original filler neck stays below the new tank. Hence the filler neck went inside the boot. Here are some pics.

[vigsom]

Originally Posted by ilangop

Installed a side mirror from Mahindra Jeeto, in place of the already installed Tata Nano side mirror

Great job, @ilangop.

Reminded me of an ORVM that I'd installed in my first car in 1998. The mirror was an aftermarket one and cost a mere 60 rupees.

Originally Posted by ilangop

Place the tank as in an Ambassador. Just behind the rear seat.

But in this method the original filler neck stays below the new tank. Hence the filler neck went inside the boot.

Good thinking - this is how LPG and CNG aftermarket tanks are placed.

I have a suggestion - having gotten this far, and placed the tank like how it's done in the Ambassador, make the filler cap pucca.

Create a fuel filler lid on the left quarter panel a little higher than the tank inlet.

You can buy an old Maruti 800 filler lid, filler nozzle, with its mounting and weld the lid + mounting onto the left quarter panel, then connect the filling nozzle to the tank inlet using, say even the Tata Ace hose and clamps.

[ilangop]

Hi folks.
Finally managed to relocate the fuel filling neck and install a new inspection cover inside the wheel well.
Air vent pipe is now exposed to outside the trunk so that petrol vapors don't get into the cabin.
Temporarily relocated the fuel filter near the carburetor so that left over rust particles in the fuel line could be captured and prevented from getting into the carburetor.

[sandeepmohan]

Where can I source quality internal door handles and a window winder? This is for a 72' Fiat 1100D.

I am fed up with the pathetic quality of parts sold by Best Automobiles, JC Road.

[ajay99]

Originally Posted by sandeepmohan

Where can I source quality internal door handles and a window winder? This is for a 72' Fiat 1100D.

I am fed up with the pathetic quality of parts sold by Best Automobiles, JC Road.

Internal door handles are/was available in 3 brands-Usha,Asha and Unity. Unity and Usha are supposed to be of good quality.You may be using cheap repro stuff made in Delhi.

[manishalive]

Originally Posted by sandeepmohan

Where can I source quality internal door handles and a window winder? This is for a 72' Fiat 1100D.

I am fed up with the pathetic quality of parts sold by Best Automobiles, JC Road.

Sandeep, best automobiles is not the shop for body parts, he is for mechanical s. Please visit Bangalore hood house for body and trim parts.

[sandeepmohan]

Originally Posted by ajay99

Internal door handles are/was available in 3 brands-Usha,Asha and Unity.

Would you happen to known store names in Cochin that might stock these parts or brands?

I believe I have the one's made in Delhi which are very poor quality.

[ilangop]

Hi guys,
After going through all initial checks in the ignition and Fuel system, I had to open up the head to understand the reason for missing, smoke and petrol smell in exhaust. It turned out that the head gasket was blown. Gave to head for cleaning, valve lapping and mild surfacing. Meanwhile took time to clean the cooling system, drain old engine oil and replace the oil filter.
As the Ucal electronic fuel pump has been serving reliably, I decided on deleting the mechanical pump once and for all and block the hole with a cover plate. The cover plate idea was derived from my 118NE. The Mikuni carburetted 118NE cars don't have a mechanical fuel pump. A trapezium shaped blocking plate is installed. Prepared a similar plate for my Padmini too. Did cut a few grooves, though not expecting a miracle to happen as the rest of the mechanicals are 70000 kms old. The head will go into the car by this weekend.