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Mini Wont Start!

Started by Foxy10 , Jan 11 2010 05:53 PM

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34 replies to this topic

#1 Foxy10

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Posted 11 January 2010 - 05:53 PM

Model:Austin mini 998cc
Year:1980
Description of problem: I have nt used my car for a few days because of the weather and collage being closed and now it wont start. at first i thought it was jus a flat battery put it still didnt start with a jump start. it turns over but wont start

cheers in advance

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#2 lrostoke

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Posted 11 January 2010 - 05:55 PM

Have you tried drying off all the HT leads, cleaning and drying dizzy cap. Most likely damp.

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#3 Twincam

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Posted 11 January 2010 - 05:56 PM

Have you checked to see if there is spark/fuel getting through?

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#4 Foxy10

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Posted 11 January 2010 - 06:03 PM

Have you checked to see if there is spark/fuel getting through?

i should probebly no this but how would i do this?

cheers

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#5 Foxy10

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Posted 11 January 2010 - 06:09 PM

Have you tried drying off all the HT leads, cleaning and drying dizzy cap. Most likely damp.

what would u say was the best way 2 do this? take bits of an hairdryer them??

cheers

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#6 Foxy10

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Posted 11 January 2010 - 06:39 PM

bump

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#7 Foxy10

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Posted 12 January 2010 - 04:47 PM

i tried drying the ht leads and dizzy cap this morning but still didnt start :geek:

how would i check if the spark and fuel r gting throu?

cheers

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#8 dklawson

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Posted 12 January 2010 - 04:57 PM

I suggest spending some time developing a basic understanding of what you are looking for with the ignition system and how it works, then go out and do some troubleshooting. I wrote a PDF document that attempts to present both.

Please download and read the following:
http://home.mindspri...tsIgnitions.pdf

Once you've had a chance to review the document and its troubleshooting section feel free to post more questions on troubleshooting.

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#9 Foxy10

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Posted 15 January 2010 - 12:48 PM

cheers that has bin quite helpful but still no luck

iv made sure the ht leads r dry at both ends, the dizzy cap, inside the dizzy and the end of the coil and a couple of times when o hav tried to start it there has bin an odd spark but nt enough 2 ht the engine going. iv checked the earth from the battry is sealed which was the problem last time this happend. would a bump start work because i liv at the top of a smal hill but if it didnt id hav t push it bak up :s lol is ther nethin i am doin/nt doin that is wrong?

cheers

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#10 pantera2075

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Posted 15 January 2010 - 03:38 PM

Is there Definitely petrol in it?
Charge your battery overnight.
Clean/set your points
Scrape any white crust off the contacts inside the dizzy cap.
Squirt wd40 over the leads and dizzy cap, then try it again.

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#11 Foxy10

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Posted 15 January 2010 - 05:01 PM

cheers 4 the reply i wil try all those although how would i set the points? is there a certian measurement?

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#12 R1minimagic

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Posted 15 January 2010 - 05:22 PM

I haven't worked on points for about 15 years now, but from what i remember..

Put the car in gear (4th) and take off the dizzy cap. Rock the car back or forth until the points are fully open on the centre cam and then measure the gap. Using a screw driver, adjust the gap until it is as specified.

Hope i remembered correctly but sure i will be pulled up if not!!

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#13 dklawson

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Posted 15 January 2010 - 05:31 PM

It sounds like you are working without a manual. The ignition and fuel systems are areas where you will really benefit from having a book in front of you. If you plan to continue making your own repairs, this would be a good time to go out and buy a Haynes manual for your car.

In the meantime, take a look at this link:
http://wiki.answers....nts_on_a_vw_bus
Yes... it's for a VW bus/van, but the procedure is largely the same. However, where the VW uses a gap of 0.016" to 0.018", the Mini should have its ignition points set close to 0.015". Apart from screwdrivers you will also need a set of feeler gauges to make this adjustment.

As a footnote regarding feeler gauges, they are often oiled to keep their blades from rusting. Be sure to wipe the oil off the blade before using them to set your ignition points and re-oil them when done.