2500S engine reluctant to start and barely runs.

[poppyman]

Mine is auto as well and goes really well. my pal who has one had a similar problem with lack of top speed. his was down to the timing. we set by ear advancing it and it now goes like stink. Have tried setting it without a timing light?

Tony.

[Forkie]

No, we haven't if i am honest but on the flip side the timing area has never been disturbed since i have owned it, and it wasn't driving like it is now before the long lay up. I am aware that Autos are not keen on standing idle for long periods , and coupled with not really finding much wrong with the engine itself i am almost convinced i have a 'box issue. It might sound extreme but all the seals/gaskets are leaking anyway, the ring gear on the driveplate is damaged so it needs out anyway. At least i can then ' forget' the 'box so to speak. Will bear the above in mind though....

[poppyman]

Good luck with it.

Tony.

[Clifford Pope]

Update:

I re-checked all the suggestions people had made but the engine still would barely run, and would splutter and then die.
I left it for a day, thinking I'm tired of bothering and I might as well just be rid of the car, but then tried one more time and after a moment's hesitation it suddenly sprang into life and now starts first shot every time and appears to to run normally.

It's as if a cobweb really has been suddenly blown out! I still haven't yet had the courage to take it out on the road, because if it did cut out it means towing the car home and back up the hill and winching it back into the garage, like last time.
I'm cautiously optimistic, but it would be reassuring to know what had happened.

[poppyman]

I know what you mean, i would wait until you have a couple of willing hands with you before you go out, i did the same with mine and i can go out in it with confidence now. well worth a try.

Tony.

[Clifford Pope]

Thanks Tony.
I've nearly done that, so I'm getting there. On an impulse this morning I just clicked the key and it started first time. It runs well, idles, doesn't stall when I try to accelerate or return to idling. I've driven it up and down our track with no problems, so I'm ready for a test run to the local pub on a fine day with a willing friend.
I've a few bits of fettling to do - I've hosed all the accumulated muck off - amazing how dirty cars can become just standing in a garage - the bodywork needs some detailed cleaning, as it seems to have accumulated rust stains on the surface of the paint. They polish off and vanish. Perhaps it's from fine iron particles in the workshop air.
The handbrake is just about useless, and the rear brakes not brilliant. I know the shoes are good, so it's probably just seizing from lack of use.
Also a puddle of water appeared on the front footwell floor, which wasn't there before, so presumably a rotted seal under the heater box.

All told I'm nearly ready to go, with renewed enthusiasm. Oh yes, must pump up the tyres!

[poppyman]

Really good to hear Clifford, mine thankfully hasn't missed a beat since and drives really well.

Tony.