Home safe. Oh the shame. All fine. Vapourized fuel not ignition. Oh and owner paranoia. More later . What a knob.
Update -
Right, here is the whole gory story, posted mainly for the amusement of all and the embarressment of me. Hey - not too proud...
Scorching day, fired her up, headed down to mummy house for a visit. Went to head home again, car simply wouldnt start. Nothing - not even trying. In short all the symptoms that I had during the horrible period last year where I could sort the ignition module problem. (which I was pretty sure was cured).
Rather than flatten the battery I elected to cut my losses, sort out a way to get home, dump the car and try go find parts. Furious rage, much cursing etc etc. I was *sure* it was the same thing. Yes, I should have checked for a spark first, but it was like 30deg and standing in the open wasnt holding much appeal. I decided to head off, get parts, come down and confirm diagnosis when it was cooler...
Before I went I removed voltage reg and took it home to check (the last one I fried lost continuity). I knew I had a spare one so it would be worth a go if the ignition module had survived.
Off I plod. Post on board, rummage through garage, kind offer by Ade "hero" Worman to borrow ECU if I needed it. This was great, as it meant I would be able to get car home if that was problem.
Checked voltage reg on bench, seemed OK (at least it had connectivity). Few hours later - Took spare back down to car anyway, lashed up some connections and tried her.
Car started right up. Ahha ! I think. That was it. Very happy.
Decided to confirm diagnosis by installing original voltage reg. Car fired right up. What the ?!?!?
Then it dawns on me.
Very VERY hot day. very VERY hot engine bay. When I tried to start he she was spinning really fast and not even trying to fire (as you would with just air). No fuel.... guess the heat was evaporating in the pipe/bowl and the fuel pump couldnt purge the air until it cooled or something.
Either way, here are the lessons I have learned -
1) Hot hot hot can mean evaporation. Always check the obvious (i.e. fuel) before stomping off in a huff.
2) Even though it was absolutely fine clearly I have been psychologically damaged through last years ECU probs. I instantly assumed this was it AGAIN. I must ensure I carry a spare at all times for my own sanity even though I will probably never use it.
3) Voltage regulators are more use in the boot than in the garage miles away.
So - hot, bothered but ultimately car is fine. Red face and cross wife for me wasting sunday.
Final shout to Ade Worman. The man is a legend. Thanks bud.
