Punto (Mk2/2b) Engine won't start

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Punto (Mk2/2b) Engine won't start

Baggy1995

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May 5, 2014
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Hi all.
I had a problem with my punto a while back and I was told by an RAC Man that it was a head gasket. I have only recently got round to sorting it out. I have just changed the gasket, Waterpump, thermostat and battery, along with a coolant change and oil change. When I go to start the car up I just get 1 loud click and the engine won't turn over, I have even tried turning it over by hand! Any advise??

Thanks
 
Hi and WELCOME TO THE FORUM :wave:

Firstly what engine do you have? 1.2 8v? 1.2 16v or 1.3, 1.4, 1.8, 1.9 etc as the advice etc will vary accordingly.

Have you checked and set the timing correctly? Was the cam and crank shaft moving freely when you were setting tdc etc? Was the water pump moving freely once installed, as ive seen incorrect ones fitted and lock up.

Alan
 
It's a 1.2 8v. I was thinking I might have a timing problem. How can I check and adjust the timing?
 
Great. Where can I find out how to check and adjust the timing?
 
Well I was having trouble turning it over before I started any work so I marked everything up and removed the belt, hoping that I would have a different outcome when I put it back on but I didn't
 
Hi,
if it's been laid up for a while I would suspect a failing battery,

watch the oil + charge lights as you turn the key,
if they go REALLY DIM,
or out completely, then
get a better battery from another running vehicle.

once you get it turning over...
there are plenty of good timing guides out there..the Cinq section one is probably best..

charlie - Oxford
 
Either you have a flat or failed battery (a fully charged battery should give 12.6 volts) or the car has gone hydraulic (it has water in one of the combustion chambers -- this would fit with changing the head gasket without skimming the head).

You need to establish why it's not turning over before you proceed. Obviously (or, so I'd have thought!) if it won't turn over, it can't start.
 
Well I know the battery is not at fault because I replaced it today. As I turn the key I get a loud single click. Sounds like it comes from under the cam cover. I could be completely wrong. Would that noise be caused by water in the chambers or incorrect timing?
 
It's either a dead starter motor (or circuit to the starter motor or from the battery) or the motor simply can't turn (going hydraulic would be the most likely cause).

Try pulling all the spark plugs, look under the bonnet while someone else turns the key. If the engine turns over and a plume of water shoots into the air, it's gone hydraulic.

Report back.
 
Thanks, I will report back. Probably won't be able to get round to doing it until next weekend. If it has gone hydraulic then what are my options to get it fixed?
 
if its got water in piston/s then it can and will bend conrods
copart sold 20 500's last week all cat b water damaged from a dealer,hull i guess all unregistered

Any water will not be in the pistons, but in what engineers and mechanics call the "bores".

Yes, rods can be bent if an engine goes hydraulic. It's much more likely if the engine is running at the time.

It's good practice to turn an engine which has just been rebuilt (or has not been started for some time) over on the starter motor with the plugs out until the oil pressure light goes out.

If it doesn't turn over with the plugs out, do remove the alternator belt. Alternators can seize solid as said and prevent the engine turning over.
 
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