Thread: SIII suddenly wont start!

Hi all, I have a series 3. The other day I was ripping a fence out with it and it suddenly wouldn't start anymore, although engine cranked over fine. I opened up the bonnet and there was a bit of petrol dripping from the carb however it has always done this, because of a worn seal or something... a guy who owns and fixes a lot of old landies told me it should be fine to drive with the leak although I should get it fixed sooner rather than later. However, could this now be the reason it wont start? Ive topped up the fuel and checked for any loose cables etc. everything seems fine, not that I know much about engines so I could've over looked something. I've also never had any major problems with it before, so any help would be great!

You have mentioned fuel dripping from the carb. That is where I would start looking.
Possibly the leak is a worn needle and seat causing an the overflow which has now got so bad the motor is flooded.
To check if this is the case crank the motor. If it still doesn't start take out one of the spark plugs immediately. If it is very wet with petrol the needle and seat is your problem.
The flooded engine may start if you fully depress and hold the throttle flat(don't pump it you will make it worse) and crank the engine for at least 10 seconds.
If it still doesn't start repair the leaking carb and try again.
Hope this helps.