Hi and any Mechanics (Jennings Roadranger)
- Thread starter SeanHn
- Start date
Hi Sean and welcome to the Madhouse
You've inherited just about the best coach built there is (we've got one) and it will give you a whole new world of fun and pleasure - as long as it's not too rusty Sorry I cant help with the mechanic side of things but there are a few simple check you can do yourself to see if you can get it running depending on your mechanical knowledge. Good luck and welcome along.
You've inherited just about the best coach built there is (we've got one
) and it will give you a whole new world of fun and pleasure - as long as it's not too rusty Sorry I cant help with the mechanic side of things but there are a few simple check you can do yourself to see if you can get it running depending on your mechanical knowledge. Good luck and welcome along.
what are the symptoms of it not starting if that makes sense. Coudl try give you some things to check then.
Hi Sean and welcome. You now have the task of trying to link up the names we use on this forum with our real names used on Facebook (you won't find Panky on Facebook).
I have some contacts in the Southend area, including a classic car nut, so will speak to him and see if I can get any information that may assist you.
Regards
Chris (there's a clue)
I have some contacts in the Southend area, including a classic car nut, so will speak to him and see if I can get any information that may assist you.
Regards
Chris (there's a clue)
Hi Sean, and welcome to the forum.
As Panky says, just about the best coachbuilt Commer there is. We have one too.
I can't help you with starting, unless it's a diesel, which would be unusual. I don't do petrol.
The commer is basically a very standard Rootes group engine, and the starter, ignition and fuel systems will be understood by any mechanic familiar with classic cars of any make. One fault common to all the petrol Commers (so they say on here) is that the fuel tank painted lining breaks up and blocks up the fuel system. Search this forum for "Snakeskin", as that's what the flakes look like.
As it's a Jennings, it should be pretty watertight due to the one piece GRP roof moulding. It's well worth checking the roof thoroughly to make absolutely sure it hasn't been knocked or cracked, as this will let water in and start the rot.
Crackin' van. Enjoy.
As Panky says, just about the best coachbuilt Commer there is. We have one too.
I can't help you with starting, unless it's a diesel, which would be unusual. I don't do petrol.
The commer is basically a very standard Rootes group engine, and the starter, ignition and fuel systems will be understood by any mechanic familiar with classic cars of any make. One fault common to all the petrol Commers (so they say on here) is that the fuel tank painted lining breaks up and blocks up the fuel system. Search this forum for "Snakeskin", as that's what the flakes look like.
As it's a Jennings, it should be pretty watertight due to the one piece GRP roof moulding. It's well worth checking the roof thoroughly to make absolutely sure it hasn't been knocked or cracked, as this will let water in and start the rot.
Crackin' van. Enjoy.
SeanHn
New Member
Thanks everyone, really appreciate it. I think the outside is in quite good condition especially the roof as i remember it being painted a while ago. Will have a proper look though. I'm not able to give the symptoms of it not starting at the moment but I'll be having a look at it on Sunday so might be able to update then.
Thanks Chris, my knowledge of anything mechanical is pretty limited and i only know a couple of mechanics through people and can only get to it at weekends, unfortunately I need to find somewhere new to keep it pretty soon so any help getting it running would be much appreciated.
Colin that may be what is happening as i remember my dad saying that he thought it might be a blockage and had bought a kind of fuel lubricant (excuse my ignorance not sure what it actually is and don't have it with me right now) that he planned on using as the next solution. It is a petrol yes.
Thanks Chris, my knowledge of anything mechanical is pretty limited and i only know a couple of mechanics through people and can only get to it at weekends, unfortunately I need to find somewhere new to keep it pretty soon so any help getting it running would be much appreciated.
Colin that may be what is happening as i remember my dad saying that he thought it might be a blockage and had bought a kind of fuel lubricant (excuse my ignorance not sure what it actually is and don't have it with me right now) that he planned on using as the next solution. It is a petrol yes.
Ah sound like snakeskin can be tested with a bit of fuel down the carb (taking off the air filter) and trying to start it again. Even easier would be EasyStart - you can just spray it into the air filter Be careful spraying it while your cranking it over, any sparks could see a bit of a flash fireball. If it fires up it's likely to be blocked fuel line due to snakeskin
I've had a response, but I'm not sure it will be much help as it is a garage. The recommendation is 1st Stop Cars of Rochford and the boss is a guy called Kevin. Here is their website: http://www.1ststopcars.co.uk/
I think they are located where Whittinghams Garage was, a Renault dealer which used to be in West Street. Mind you, that was in the early 1980s when I worked in Rochford.
I think they are located where Whittinghams Garage was, a Renault dealer which used to be in West Street. Mind you, that was in the early 1980s when I worked in Rochford.
SeanHn
New Member
I spoke to 1st stop cars and they said they couldn't help me as they don't really deal with vans now especially ones that old. I managed to have a quick look today but unfortunately didn't have time to look properly at the fuel filter but had a quick go at starting her up and even though the lights work and the red and white lights on the dash come on it seems like the battery might be too flat as it just clicks and doesn't turn over. Just wanted to make sure that I'm doing it right and you have to turn the ignition and press the button on the dash to start it? Should hopefully have someone coming to look at it in a couple of weeks so will try checking the fuel filter then. Thanks
Certainly in my experience a well charged and strong battery is needed. As is a little bit of pumping the accelerator... . All the best. It's very worth it when it does run...
Sorry they weren't able to help. You will soon find that you are not alone on this site and before you know it, you are able to undertake all basic Commer repair and diagnosis needed.
Jimmy van
Active Member
Hi there sean, she looks splendid congratulations. I don't want to offend your mechanical knowledge but have you engaged the choke? (obviously with a fully charged battery) I only ask as you mentioned turning on the ignition and pressing the button but didn't mention the choke......just a thought as it is a trifle old school nowadays.
Sitting in the drivers seat reach down with your left hand, just below the seat, and you will find a black knob. Pull that out and it will engage the choke for cold starting, once you are underway you should be able to start pushing it back in when the engine is happy to run without it.
SeanHn
New Member
I finally managed to get a mechanic to look at the van and this is what he found:
The van needs a new rotor arm and points
The starter motor was currently off as my dad had been fitting a new electrical starting mechanism. He'd fitted a new coil. It looks like some new wiring had been done aswell.
Fitting those would be the first steps he would take to attempt running but he said it'd need a good few hours work at least which he's not able to do at the moment.
I'm not sure if i can realistically give it the time and energy it deserves. What would be the best way to advertise the van for sale? The vans in pretty good shape inside and out apart from what looks like some water damage at the bottom of the rear panel. The interior has been painted and still has all the original soft furnishings from what i can see.
The van needs a new rotor arm and points
The starter motor was currently off as my dad had been fitting a new electrical starting mechanism. He'd fitted a new coil. It looks like some new wiring had been done aswell.
Fitting those would be the first steps he would take to attempt running but he said it'd need a good few hours work at least which he's not able to do at the moment.
I'm not sure if i can realistically give it the time and energy it deserves. What would be the best way to advertise the van for sale? The vans in pretty good shape inside and out apart from what looks like some water damage at the bottom of the rear panel. The interior has been painted and still has all the original soft furnishings from what i can see.
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That's a shame, you would enjoy ownership and the fun it brings - after getting it on the road of course
The first thing to do is take lots of pictures of everything - outside, inside underneath showing all the good and bad points. We may be able to give you a rough valuation with that information. It would be easier to sell if it was running and MOT'd, as for where to advertise it, on here is a good start and that Facebook page if you do that sort of thing - and eBay should it not sell. Good luck in what ever you decide.
The first thing to do is take lots of pictures of everything - outside, inside underneath showing all the good and bad points. We may be able to give you a rough valuation with that information. It would be easier to sell if it was running and MOT'd, as for where to advertise it, on here is a good start and that Facebook page if you do that sort of thing - and eBay should it not sell. Good luck in what ever you decide.