7 replies to this topic

[Fire_monkey]

Model: mini 1000
Year:1991
Description of problem (please be as in depth as possible):i am having a bit of trouble starting the car on cold mornings, the engine will maybe fire of 1 cylinder then won't fire of any, then i try again and this will flatten the battery, so i will charge the battery and give it one or two more attempts and it will fully fire up..... was just wondering if something is up?



Any non-standard parts that might be involved with the problem: 12G490 head on 998 block, stage 1 kit, profiled AAU needle

[Pooky]

Old batteries hate cold mornings! Might need a new one...

[Fire_monkey]

yer i throught that too.

but i have a newish (few years old) Halfords battery and even that seems to struggle.

[Loz248]

The slight drop in temperature coming up to the winter always highlights any battery starting problems but another factor is the damp in the air. Not very technical but have you tried a good dose of WD40 on the engine electrics, leads etc?

[bmcecosse]

Suggest new spark plugs - and complete overhaul of the ignition system. Also check battery connections and earth wire connection engine to car. Also check the fan belt is tight enough to charge the battery!

[Fire_monkey]

thanks guys will give your ideas a try

[jaydee]

Have you upgraded your coil? Fitting sports coil retaining the ballast wired feed cause this problem.

[lrostoke]

Does sound more damp related with cylinders kicking in randomly.

I use a plastic bag tucked down infront of the engine, covers the dizzy, coil and HT leads. works a treat keeping the wet out.