wow 1965 thats an old one ha ha ,sorry ok as to the problem fuel can go off after a while so it might be worth getting the old stuff thats in the pipes pulled through so it starts supping on the new stuff you just put in but I would have thought that the fuel wouldnt go off after a year ,if its been sat that long maybe the plugs are a bit tired ,a knackered battery will also cause the engine to stop but if its got enough charge to get it started then this shouldnt be a problem ,fuel filter? sat that long might have got water condensation build up, is it a distributor pack model or the older fashioned dissy cap and rotar arm version if so check these are clean and dry ,in fact for all the price they are just change them at least then its something to rule out ,as to the alarm yes the indicators should flash when arming /disarming with the key or the fob so it could be an immobiliser fault due to a flat battery ,ok a couple of things to get you started (pardon the pun) good luck,andy:dunno:

 

Ok Andy thanks for pointing out the typo, amended now, and for the suggestions. If there was an immobilser fault wouldn't that stop it even starting? I'll check to see what ignition system it's got and, if I can find the fuel filter, check that, and maybe take the opportunity to undo the petrol line and make sure there is pressure there. Thanks again Bernard:banghead:

 

not sure how the immobiliser works ,if it just didnt supply any current to the fuel pump the engine might start on the fuel in the line but then run out PDQ but as I say I'm not sure ,let us know how you get on with it, andy

 

put more petrol in. another few cans worth.

check all earth points too.

 

If its an immobiliser fault it might turn over once or twice before cutting out .

 

depends if its worth the bother-whats the mileage? sounds like immob to me which would mean coding a new ECU in-best of british may be able to help-try running fuel pump form a separate supply

 

Even though it's had lots spent on it in mods, it's not worth spending lots more, it's 130k+ miles.
Thanks for all the suggestions I'll save them up for the weekend when there's more light to work by, but please keep the suggestions rolling in.

 

Hi, I could do with some advice, I was checking my 1995 620ti over for it's MOT, it was running nicely, ticking over and was switched off to check the reversing lights, from that point on it has refused to run, it will start but dies immediately.
I've either got to get it going again and MOT'd or it's scrap as it's been sitting on my son's drive for nearly a year now and he needs it out of the way.
As it starts it would appear to be a fuel problem and initially we thought it might be because it was quite low, ok very low, on fuel but we've put a few gallons in since then and nothing's changed. Also my son noticed that when you lock the car and set the alarm with the blipper, the lights do not flash now, quite honestly I can't even remember if they did before, but he's adamant they did, don't think it can be related as if there was a problem with the alarm/immobiliser then it wouldn't even start.
Any ideas / help would be appreciated.

Possible clue there. When you switch on the ignition and wait a few seconds before operating the starter, can you hear the fuel pump whine towards the rear of the car as it pressurises the fuel system ?

Also ~ as previously asked, is the car an early Distributor Ignition example or later wasted spark jobbie ?

Fuel does degrade over time.

For your information, I recently started up my N-Reg ti which had 1/3rd tank of 'old' fuel for the first time in over two years! It started as soon as the starter engaged. Had it only a small amount of fuel in the tank, I would have 'drowned' that old fuel with several gallons of fresh stuff to avoid possible fuel line blockages and other problems.

Fuel over time does 'go off' as I found to my cost years ago when I filled the tank of a Motorcycle fully as I would not be using it for several years. Believing it would help with longer term storage. ~ WRONG ! Big Time. The fuel had degraded and separated over the years turning to a thin liquid and also a wretched gummy substance which blocked ALL FOUR Carburetteurs as well as fuel lines etc. Took ages to clean out that gummy substance from the tank!

 

Cheers for all the suggestions, will try them out asap.

 

You can hear the pump running (low buzz) when you switch the ignition on, which stops after approx. 3 secs, and if you listen by the back wing you cranking the engine you can hear it buzzing then.
Yes it's a dizzy model, spark at king lead is good and strong, will check in the dark for cracks in the cap or leakage from leads, but remember it fire and starts first time evry time you turn the key, it just won't continue running.
Fuel is now all new and plenty of it, and remember the problem occured before it was left standing.
Alarm was working when lights first stopped, I know because the battery went flat and as soon as the jump leads were connected the alarm sounded, but it does not seem to be working at all now, you can lock the car by fob or key and opening any thing doesn't set it off?
Battery now good and strong, don't know what to check next, HELP

 

You can hear the pump running (low buzz) when you switch the ignition on, which stops after approx. 3 secs, and if you listen by the back wing you cranking the engine you can hear it buzzing then.
Yes it's a dizzy model, spark at king lead is good and strong, will check in the dark for cracks in the cap or leakage from leads, but remember it fire and starts first time evry time you turn the key, it just won't continue running.
Fuel is now all new and plenty of it, and remember the problem occured before it was left standing.
Alarm was working when lights first stopped, I know because the battery went flat and as soon as the jump leads were connected the alarm sounded, but it does not seem to be working at all now, you can lock the car by fob or key and opening any thing doesn't set it off?Battery now good and strong, don't know what to check next, HELP

>> which stops after approx. 3 secs, <<

That sounds spot on.

>> but it does not seem to be working at all now, you can lock the car by fob or key and opening any thing doesn't set it off? <<

Disconnect battery and leave for few minutes. Reconnect and them when/if the alarm sounds, use the key to turn it off. Then lock car and unlock ~ than try the starter and see if it continues to run.

>> don't know what to check next <<

When you've looked for sparks outside the distributor cap ~ if none seen replace the rotor arm ~ and the Distributor cap if you sense that may be a suspect irrespective of age.

Good Luck ~ let us know what results from above checks.
.

 

Hi all, been out of commision for a while hence long delay. Well have tried disconnecting battery, when reconnected no alarm and no difference. No leaking sparks and good rotor arm and dizzy cap. Now given up on it and have just bunged it on ebay for spares or repair, maybe someone will take it on.
Thanks to everyone for the help. Keep up the good work.

 

fuel cut off saftey switch. Happened to an alfa of mine whilst I was cleaning it.. would start but the moment I pressed the throttle cut out...