Oh Dear, part 2 - Random breakdown, Electrics

What a rollercoaster ride this is. (Although have to remember - was expected) This morning Amy wouldn't start. Went through some basics, checked fuel supply, *seemed* to be blocked so did the blowing back thing to the point where I could see fuel bubbling around the accelerator pump piston. Handy way to check, even though it probably shouldn't be happening.

Still wouldn't start, then the starter motor stuck. Cleared that, then ALL the electrics went. Nothing. Checked a few connections, battery terminal was loose. Tightened that up. General electrics back. Fiddled with some "known" dodgy looking wires.

Got her started. Phew, nice to be able to do that.... Warmed engine up, by that time Robbie was ready to go to school as well, so he jumped in and we set off. Got about 50 yards!! Broke down ACROSS the junction at the end of the road, now holding up all traffic! (across a level crossing just up the main road!) Starter motor would not kick in, assume it was the switch. Some fellow commuters helped to push her off the junction and to the side of the road at least. A nice lady offered to drive Robbie to school to avoid him being late! Warning triangle out. Tow rope attached in readiness to get her back on the driveway, but it was rush hour, so couldn't do anything for a while as traffic was backed up and would have been impossible.

Did some more diagnostics on the side of the road in the meantime - was the coil warming up? Could I get a spark across the plugs? And then randomly she started again. Used the opportunity to pull her up the driveway. Reversed up the pavement next to the bemused looking drivers in the traffic jam! Had to go to work in the other car.

In summary, lot's of weird symptoms, lot's of things seemingly not working. (starter motor not going - that could be the starter pull? or something else??).

The fuel supply could have been a red herring, because everything points to electrics. Probably the first properly damp morning, had not been touched all day Monday, which was also a damp day. Lot's of weird behavior that could almost certainly be out down to the iffy wiring.

That was not unexpected, so I think second layup coming in quick succession, because that needs sorting. Cannot afford to be risking breaking down across roads!!

Not TOO concerned at this stage, nothing that can't be fixed relatively easily I don't think. Even if the coil has gone after all, or I need to replace the starter pull switch or some other bits in addition to some re-wiring, I don't think it is any more than that! We'll see...

Went home lunch time she starts fine... When the starter pull decides to work, but seems that it's finally given up the ghost. Installed the spare one that the previous owner had given me. All fine again. Maybe that was the only real problem?.. Anyway, one thing down, on to the next!!! Which I am sure there will be!!!