Hi, first post and its a problem!!

I just picked up a non running 1990 GT - owner told me he was driving the car and it died, would not restart. I have taken off his hands, but am stuck on gettin it going.

Best way to describe it is like the starter is spinning but not engaging, but I know this is not the case as I can move the car on the starter motor, so is definintely turning the motor.

I have checked plugs, leads etc and seem fine.

I know someone who had a similar problem on a Porsche, which was down to the fuel cut out switch - could this be the problem? anyone if the GT has one, where it is and how I can check it?

Any other suggestions already gratefully received of course!

Cheerz

If you think its fuel related -

Put the car into electrics mode.. (or whatever you want to call it) and first off - see if you can hear the fuel pump priming. If that doesnt happen - starting the car is going to be difficult. Even though GTs are still fairly basic, there are lots of things it could possibly be. You can't prove that the leads/plugs are fine without testing them I guess...

Golden rule - fuel, spark and compression. You need all 3 to start/run a car - so it may well be a process of elimination...

Put the car into electrics mode.. (or whatever you want to call it)

Turn on the ignition you mean?

That's a good place to start though. If the fuel pump is kicking in, then you can rule out a few things, including the fuel pump cut out (like on the Porsche you mention). Next, see if the fuel is being injected. More difficult to do on a GT than an Spi for example, but after cranking the engine over, whip out a spark plug and see if they're sooty or covered in petrol.

Let us know how you get on

Put the car into electrics mode.. (or whatever you want to call it)

Turn on the ignition you mean?

well.. if you want to put it like that.... yes

I'm somewhat tired and slightly out of it... hehe!

Shouldn't you be busy buying fuel treatment or something Daniel?

Edited 9 June, 200719 yr by Mariojoshi

Have a look here: AA Car Cough Clinic

And pay attention in particular to the 'Timing Belt' clip (right click and save it, don't bother trying to stream it), as the way you describe the sound matches it, and as starter motors are attached to the flywheel and not the cam sprocket, you would still be able to make the car move with the starter.

Check there's even a timing belt left!

Edited 10 June, 200719 yr by Danny Lee

Yea i was thinking you may be have lost compression(snapped cambelt=bent valves) which would cause the engine to spin freely with the starter motor but wouldn't allow it to actually run

Thanks for the suggestions guys - the cambelt has lost 80% of its teeth!!

any ideas where I can get a recon head.........

I think you'll be meaning a whole engine.

if it's slipped not snapped there's definate damage to the pistons.

just buy one off here, slap it in and good to go.

yeah you need to take the head off and have a look to see what is damaged.