Car won't start

[mp80]

Hiya

The missus has a '93 Vauxhall Nova 1.2i which won't start

The engine is turning over fine and there is the smell of fuel under the bonnet but there is no spark. Petrol tank is 3/4 full. Tried a push start and it kept threatening to fire but never did.

Anyone know the likely culprit? I'm thinking maybe distributor or plugs with water in. She drove through a big puddle last week which threw water all over the bonnet. However the car was working perfectly yesterday afternoon, which seems a bit odd.

Thanks for your time

[Hintza]

Big check list but if you suspect it got damp. take all the HT leads off and bring them inside clean with a cloth a leave on a radiator to dry (pref overnight). In the meantime check the distributor cap and rotor arm for wear and cracks in the cap. Clean all the contacts and if badly corroded replace. Check the plugs and clean with say an emery board (wet and dry) replace if they really look knackere

Stick it all back together and hopefully away you go. You might want to keep a plug out (attached to HT lead_ and check it is sparking ok when you turn the engine over.

If it doesn't last then replace HT leads and distributor cap.

One last thing of you open bonnet in the dark and see if there are any sparks where they shouldn't be. My old Merc looked like a firework display under the bonnet when the HT leads needed changing.

[Volcano]

there is no spark.

As in: the spark plugs are not sparking when removed from their holes, reconnected to the HT leads and held with an insulated pair of pliers against the engine block while the engine is turned over?

If so, then what Hintza said.

[Hintza]

More fun if you use your fingers.......;)

[hartcjhart]

noooooooo:eek::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:
could end up:j but not with joy

[beaker141]

Are any lights on the dash lit - My old corsa went once, it ended up being the immobiliser chip from the key had fell out when they key had split open. I do think the yellow engine management light was on though.

[vaio]

More fun if you use your fingers.......;)

Better still if you get your OH to hold it

[mp80]

The problem has been fixed, following Hintza's advice. After a bit of spluttering, misfiring and some steam out the back, it's up and running again and working well.

Many thanks to all that replied!