7 replies to this topic

[billzer]

hi guys mot looming , failed previously on emissions took out the lambda sensor today and spark plugs both black powdery soot /? can anyone diagnose

[jamesmpi]

I think black spark plugs means excessive fuel. Do you use the car for short journeys? Might be worth taking it for long blast up a motorway or dual carriage way to clean them up a bit.

[xrocketengineer]

There are a few possibilities: The lambda sensor is bad, the wiring to the lambda sensor could be bad or there is an air leak at the exhaust manifold allowing air in that the sensor is detecting. I had the last situation with a leak at the joint between the exhaust manifold and the down pipe. New gasket, sealant (no silicone, it kills the cat) and new studs with nuts solved the problem.

[Island Mini]

Try giving the sensor a clean with some carb cleaner worked for me!

[billzer]

thanks for all advice mini is still smoking badly, changed manifold gasket, temp sensor, and cat , still smoking , good compresion , starts easy, cant figure this one out , it was easy on the older minis , after the boxing day fire i changed , the wiring loom , if i could sort the smoking , feel like giving up , i know weve all felt like that, ie cut knuckels lol,, without diagnostic equipment im losing patience, oh well at least its not minus 6 in the garage lol, if anyone can give me a clue on what to try next ,

[MiniAida]

Hi Billzer,

I'm in South Somerset and around next week if you want to try a diagnostic? PM me first though - I've got the SPI module but not sure if it covers the MPi (anyone?)

In the meantime, when was the last time you changed the valve oil seals? Classic symptom is a puff of smoke (or a few) on startup.

My money is on a vacuum pipe / MAP sensor issue - have you checked the guides on here? Relatively easy to check. Try the trick with the ECU in the airing cupboard overnight too - I use a bit of wool in the pipe to help any goo drain out. Remember when you check the pipes, don't forget the larger rubber ones to the purge valve etc.

Don't give up hope. Injection minis are a pain, but when they're working well, they're unbeatable.

MA

[Ipod]

The mpi connector is different.

Edit: Connector

Edited by Ipod, 28 March 2013 - 11:17 PM.

[billzer]

thanks for all your help guys cat was to blame no smoke phew might get to brighton mot done rewired whole car rubbing down fire damaged paint getting there lol