5 replies to this topic

[sim0n]

just like to say hello to everyone as a newby member.
just bought a 1994 mini spi cooper which has a starting problem, i have looked through other members starting problem and mine is very simular, but i have not found a solution
i bought the mini a week ago. drove 100miles home with no problems. now it has decided its not going to start. if you spray starter fulid in the air inlet it will start straight away and run for a few seconds. there is good voltage at the fuel pump(the pump can heard when turning the ignition on). theres a good 12v at the coil and a good spark at each of the plugs. the plugs are in the 1342 order with no1 lead at the 2 oclock postion on the dizzy. the coil,plugs,leads and dizzy cap are all new. the engine will turn over and pump can be heard, there is a good spray pulsing into the throttle housing. i have checked all relays and renewed any dodgy electrical connections, the engine earth lead is in good condition with a good contact. the small hoses to the ecu, map sensor and throttle housing are all in good conditon. when the mini was running the idle was very good and the temp gauge was just under the half way mark. if you turned the engine off and come back after a few hours it would start no problem.the alarm/immobilizer was removed alone time ago

i am at a totally loss at to why it won't run, thinking of taking it the garage tomorrow. if anyone can help before i end up spending a fortune at my local garage. it would be very much appreciated. thanks simon

Edited by sim0n, 31 August 2011 - 07:43 PM.

[RayBoogs]

What does it do when you manage to get it started? how long does it run for? Is the idle lumpy when it does start? Is there soot coming out of the exhaust? does it do it when hot and cold or just hot or cold? Does the coil get hot?

It could be a number of sensors on the car it could be the stepper motor, and about taking it to a local garage only take it there if they have the correct diagnostics tools and know how to use them or like you say it's just going to be trail and error and cost you money!

Oh and welcome to the forum!

Edited by RayBoogs, 31 August 2011 - 08:09 PM.

[sim0n]

hi, thanks for your reply, when it starts with starter fluid it runs for a few seconds, revs very high (5000) then cuts out. coil is new. this only happens when the engine is cold e.g left over night. strange thing is it was left for two days standing and when i come to start the mini up. it started straight away. don't thinks its any sensors, i'm thinking maybe the ecu has go the timimg wrong? i am totally lost
when it did start and engine was hot it started and ran with no problems
forgot to mention i can hear the stepper clicking when turning the ignition off

[liam_italian]

A dodgy stepper would not prevent the mini from starting, it would just cause it to run rough.

[CarsOrBikes]

running at 5k with starter fluid seems rather high, like throttle stuck open

[sim0n]

_{took car to my local garage as i was at a very big loss as to why my mini would not start. anyway, the guy striped the throttle housing/injector and a few other bits. cleaded it and put it back together. and with a few minor adjustments it started up. seems to run a little high now. but a least i am now able to drive it.}