18 replies to this topic

[Tubby1987]

Took the gf to the pub earlier approx 8 miles away, on the way, twice my mini started shuddering and lost power, almost as if the engine was coughing. Sorry for the description but that best explains it. It didn't backfire, just a horrible shuddering! 

Before i set off home i checked my oil level etc (i check weekly but thought i'd check that while i could) and looked for any obvious problems like pipes etc. All looked fine and in place. I left my choke out just a smidge and it drove back with no issues! 

Could that point towards a fuel problem? I did let the fuel tank run to near empty at the weekend which i never do, i just didn't realise how low on fuel i was. Maybe thought it's dragged some nasties through the engine? 

 

Any suggestions? Hope it's nothing major :/ 

 

Tubby.

[sonikk4]

It could be some debris has been dragged into the fuel system. Disconnect the fuel pipe and blow it through and check the connection on the tank. Drain the remaining fuel from it and check for scale / rust in the tank.

Once done you could jury rig a small container of clean fuel to feed the engine and try to start the car. If alls well then reconnect the fuel line to the tank, fill with fresh fuel and see what happens.

[Tubby1987]

Cheers sonikk4 I'll check my fuel. I would've thought my tank was okay, it was replaced when my boot floor was replaced but still worth a check as you never know if it's dirty fuel that's gone in.

[sonikk4]

It's the cheapest thing to do to be honest, it won't be the first time this sort of thing has happened. Obviously if this does not fix the problem then it may point to something electrical.

Looking at both things would be the way forward.

[Craig89]

Check your points gap (presuming you have points) as I had very similar symptoms recently and the gap had closed right up

[sonikk4]

Check your points gap (presuming you have points) as I had very similar symptoms recently and the gap had closed right up

There is that as well, we suffered that with Paddy hence why he converted to electronic.

[Tubby1987]

Not to sound stupid but what is the points gap?
Cheers for the info lads

[sonikk4]

Your distributor will either be electronic or have points inside. Take the rotor cap off and underneath that should be the rotor arm. Then below that if you have points you will see this

 

 

The points are to the left of the picture and there will only be one set fitted not the two sets as shown. The small object to the right is a condenser and again you will only see one of these fitted. 

[Tamworthbay]

Not to sound stupid but what is the points gap?
Cheers for the info lads

Neil has explained the points, but I would add that its well worth getting hold of an old Haynes manual, ideally the light blue one. It will pay for itself in no time.

[jt19]

I don't see why it would get crap coming through from the tank if you run it low as the outlet of the tank is at the bottom!?

[Rog46]

I don't see why it would get crap coming through from the tank if you run it low as the outlet of the tank is at the bottom!?

Never quite at the bottom, and when low the fuel surges side to side stirring up any debris more, causing it to get picked up!

[Tubby1987]

Thanks sonikk4 for tsking the time to show me that, I'll take a look in the morning and go through this thread :)
I have a manual Tamworth but it's not a haynes. So not sure how accurate it is.
And cheers rog46 for pointing out I'm not making stupid suggestions

[Tubby1987]

Taking*

[Twincam]

Tubby, was it raining at all when it started shuddering?

[ANON]

try some clovonia