Just got the car back after new head gasket etc but still having problems. Car does not always fire up first time, will start but then cut out. It does start second time ok but idles rough for about 10 seconds then is ok. Once going everything seems fine but the car has cut out a few times, it doesnt just die but the revs start to vary between about 300 -1200 rpm and the car wont pull away properly. I turn the car off and it wont start again for about 5 minutes, it turns over but wont fire up, then all is fine again once it starts. I'm assuming its something electrical but was hoping someone could point me in the right direction as i'm getting a bit pissed off with it.

 

maybe its to do with crank position sensor .has to be within certain mm from pulley.

 

0.6-1,0 mm that clearance is in TDC sensor

 

How easy is it to measure, do i need the car on ramps or can it be done with the bonnet open. If it is out would this cause an intermittent problem or would it be all the time.

 

it can be checked just opening the bonnet. there is little sensor in near crankshaft, pointing towards of 4 pins in the crankshafts v-pelt pulley and it needs to have 0.6-1.0mm clearance for the pins. it also needs to be sturdily in its mounting bracket. those 4 pins are at 90degrees apart from each other. check that there are no damage on the pins.

 

Or it could be the phase senser in the dizzy going down as thats whot mine did it was just flat on revs then one morning it would'nt start turns out the phase sencer was cracked where you clip the plug on changed it for a second hand one and it was fine
But mine is now playing up again so it may pay to get a new sencer or sensers ( i have been lasy and not sorted any thing )