MikeW Posted July 22, 2002 Share Posted July 22, 2002 Had my 1600VX for about 3 weeks now and done a few hundred miles of driving with no problems. Picked it up from Caterham after a race service on Friday ( who were really helpful) but tonight was the first chance to go out for a blast. Went over a bit of a rise at speed and the car cut out ( first time ever)Coasted to a stop, turned the key and the car immediately fired up. About 10 miles later blasting along a flat piece of road in 5th and the car again momentarily cut out but picked up again before I had lost much speed. It 'feels' as if it may be a problem with the carbs flooding or something similar but I'm a complete novice at this. I'll check the plugs ( and speak to Caterham tomorrow) but any advice appreciated. I have a track day next week and need to get things sorted out by then. It may not be related to the service at all ( and I don't know whether they touched the carbs) but I did 150 miles on a trip the previous weekend with absolutely no problems Only other thing I can think of is I filled up with Super unleaded tonight Thanks Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blatman Posted July 22, 2002 Share Posted July 22, 2002 Start with checking the battery leads. A loose one will produce the intermittent fault you describe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Posted July 23, 2002 Share Posted July 23, 2002 I had a similar problem which turned out to be a large blob of crap in my fuel tank. It would cut out after a bend or rise in the road Regards Brian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ian balson Posted July 23, 2002 Share Posted July 23, 2002 If you are losing electrical power, check the battery cutout switch, if you have one. It's quite a common problem. Rgds Ian ian.balson@yahoo.co.uk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter Carmichael Posted July 23, 2002 Share Posted July 23, 2002 Most likely is electrical and battery leads are a good place to start. Engine earthing strap should be mounted onto bare metal. Don't know about the 1600VX wiring looms, but on some K-series the main power connection into the car loom is via an insubstantial spade connector and this can need crimping a bit tighter to get a reliable connection. *thumbup*253 bhp, up and running Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sjwb Posted July 23, 2002 Share Posted July 23, 2002 Check the inertia (fuel pump) cut out which is on the LH side of the bulkhead. Although how it re-instates itself God knows. Steve B Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonsharland Posted July 23, 2002 Share Posted July 23, 2002 had similar trouble except my 1600 vx classic would not restart for 5 - 45 mins they replaced the ecu now the engine starts but doesn't fire on all 4 cy then sometimes it just dies restarts and the engine dies again they are going to take it in and have a look btw they replaced the fuel tank as it had a hole in it so its not that Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeW Posted July 23, 2002 Author Share Posted July 23, 2002 Thanks for all your quick replies. I had originally thought it was fuel related but based on your replies and some help from Caterham am convinced its electrical now. I'll work through the suggestions and hopefully get things sorted out tonight. Caterham (Midlands) felt it was most likely to be the battery cut out switch and suggested glueing a small washer on the end to improve the contact so I will try that as well. Really appreciate the help, makes you realise what a great club this is. Thanks Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonsharland Posted July 25, 2002 Share Posted July 25, 2002 Mike Let me know if you have fixed your problem Jon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeW Posted July 25, 2002 Author Share Posted July 25, 2002 Jon, No, see other post- car stopped altogether now. Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Giles Wardle Posted July 25, 2002 Share Posted July 25, 2002 Mike, as you know I have the same car as you. I had a similar problem at Curborough at the SDCC sprint, it was just a loose battery terminal, but you've probably checked those already ! ECUs are know to be iffy on the Classic, I'm on my second unit now, that could the root of your problem. Honey, I shrunk the car It's turned into a 7 😬 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeW Posted July 25, 2002 Author Share Posted July 25, 2002 Giles, Thanks for the comments. Ignition light is on and engine is turning over so I do have power. Problem is that the car just wont fire. I'll try and trace things back to whether it is an electrical or fuel problem when I get home tonight. ( Bit late last night by the time I had trailered home.) So will go through the basics of whether I have a spark, fuel to the carbs ( pumps is working so unless I have a blockage not likely)Also because it was so sudden ie no spluttering suspect it is probably electrical. Got the car booked in tomorrow so if I can't fix it tonight ( and I have my doubts) then at least someone else can help sort this out. Main priority is having it working for Oulton, second is being able to get out at the weekend because the forecast looks good. Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonsharland Posted July 25, 2002 Share Posted July 25, 2002 spoken to caterham again today and they say try taking the fuel cap off and see if that makes a diffrence when it cuts out, as there could be vacum or pressure build up that stops the fuel getting in. I am also on my 2nd ecu Jon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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