6 replies to this topic

[smee56]

Hello all,

Having problems with my 1980 Mini Austin, 998.

It simply will not start when hot.

If i crank the engine over the starter motor disengages without the engine starting.

If the engine does manage to turn over and start it only "chugs" for maybe 2 - 3 turns and dies.

If i keep persevering it finally starts"chugging" then with help for the accelerator finally gets to some higher RPM's to actually start running.

The whole process can keep going for up to 5 mins before actually starting the car.

I have had the head refurbished a couple of months ago but have only been having the above problems for a couple of weeks.

Thanks

[Ethel]

See if you're getting a spark at the plugs first, but it sounds like a fuelling problem. Do you know what pattern of starter motor you have, inertia or pre-engaged?

[smee56]

Sparks at all pugs, and unkown what type sorry. How would one check?

[Gulfclubby]

Could be vapor lock. Do you have a heat shield between the carb and the manifold? Is the fuel line too close to the exhaust?

[Ethel]

Inertia has a remote solenoid bolted to the inner wing.

Pre engaged, the solenoid is built in to the starter motor so the battery cable goes straight to it.


I mention this as your car probably has ballasted ignition which is supplied via the solenoid when the starter is cranking. Pre engaged starters try to disengage themselves electrically when the engine starts, so that may be an issue. It could also be the ballasted supply (white/pink wire) breaking down when hot.

You could try bypassing the ballast with a wire connecting the coil +ve to a white wire at the fusebox, but don't use this as a permanent fix, it'll overheat the ignition.

[smee56]

No heat shield and inertia starter, Fuel line was not to close but was still fairly warm.

[Gulfclubby]

Put the heat shield on for a start, they're there for a reason, especially on the HiFs.