Astra ('92 K Mk.3) 1.4i won't start

Hi,

I have an Astra 4-dr CDi that won't start - the starter motor spins up but
the engine makes no attempt to fire. Prior to this, the engine suffered
from occasionally cutting out and then re-starting while moving. This
progressively got worse, the last time the engine cut out completely and
only re-started after waiting a few minutes (there was a slight burning
smell which persuaded me not to push my luck) so I drove the last few
hundred yards home. There was never any warning as to when it might do
this.

The car had a new alternator about 6 months ago, at which time the
distributor cap, plug and HT leads were all replaced. I can't tell if the
engine is getting any fuel (but as the engine is fuel-injected I'm not sure
if I should be able to smell it.

Should I suspect the alternator, ignition coil (or the electronic pack that
sits beneath it)? I'm not mechanically-minded but I do understand the
concepts! I just need some idea of where to start looking...

If you guys can help, I'd really appreciate it.

Dave Hicks

 

Your ignition solenoid/coil has gone, a similar thing happened to my N reg
about 3 weeks after I brought it.