Austin Ten Drivers Club

Good afternoon all,

I am in South Africa and have a 1934 Austin 10/4. I am a newbie to rebuilding engines and had my engine rebuilt by a workshop. After putting the engine back into the car, the car would not start no matter how I try. The engine turns and splatters but would not run. The carburetor pushes some petrol out towards the air cleaner, could my problem be valve settings?

Any help will be greatly appreciated
Jimmy Meintjes (South Africa)

Hopefully your engine rebuilder has got the valve timing correct. Valve tappet clearances should be set to 6 Thou.
Double check your ignition timing has been set correctly, set the ignition to fire on the No.1 cylinder when the piston is at TDC on the ignition stroke. It is quite easy to get this wrong and have it firing at TDC on the exhaust stroke. Don't accept the markings on your flywheel,the flywheels can be put on in the wrong position.
Newly built engines are sometimes difficult to start if they are very tight. Try some engine quick start sprayed into the carburtor intake while someone tries to start the car.
that should get it started.

from Bill French

Good morning Bill,

much appreciated, I will see what I can get done over the weekend and will let you know if I came right

Jimmy

When I bought my first 10 it had a rebuilt engine. I had to get my dad to tow it before it would start. After that it was fine.