126 replies to this topic

[Chris1992]

Hi Guys,

So I recently fitted a brand new 1380 K1200rs converted engine into my car, built for me by Specialist Components, and I'm having trouble getting it to even start.

The first thing I'll say is that SC have been excellent in helping me, pulling out all the stops. I couldn't have asked for better after care. Alas though, now they're off for the Christmas break, so I instead turn to you knowledgeable guys for guidance.

Here's the rundown. I have perfect spark on all plugs, the injectors (Bosch 440cc) are all firing perfectly with good fuel pressure in the rail, I have the throttle bodies cracked as far as the adjustment screw will allow me, the crank position sensor is set at 0.6mm, and the battery is fully charged.

Despite having all 3 ingredients for combustion, I still can't get it to fire. It just turns over and over, with the occasional pop from the exhaust. If I throttle it while cranking then these pops become louder and more frequent.

I've checked the order of the HT leads on the coil a million times, (anti-clockwise with 1 at the top right post as you look at it), so all I can think of now is the timing. This is something that I haven't checked as I was under the impression that it would have been done by SC, but I may be wrong. I have set the timing on my old carbed 1275. but I have no idea how to go about doing it on this conversion, so if anyone is able to give me a step by step guide then that would be much appreciated!

I'm also more than happy to hear other suggestions of what could be stopping my engine from firing.

Engine spec;
- 1380 A+
- k1200rs head
- drilled/worked crank
- LT cams

- BMW throttle bodies
- Delta 400 ECU
- Bosch 440cc injectors
- full straight cut box/drops
- 3.1 FD
- etc...

Cheers
Chris

 

[mpialan]

What software do you have on the ECU?

[Chris1992]

What software do you have on the ECU?

 

Absolutely no clue to be honest, it was all pre-mapped by SC before it was sent to me, and I'm not sure how to tell. 

[Midas Mk1]

Pretty sure minisilverbullet has a how to sort of blog guide in his build thread on here mate.

[Midas Mk1]

What software do you have on the ECU?

Absolutely no clue to be honest, it was all pre-mapped by SC before it was sent to me, and I'm not sure how to tell.

If you open it up when connected live to the car you’ll be able to save the .cal off the ecu then have a look. On my 5 porter the base maps from sc were way off, even one pretty much same spec, would barely run.

[Chris1992]

Pretty sure minisilverbullet has a how to sort of blog guide in his build thread on here mate.

 

I've has a skim through his thread a while ago but didn't spot it, I'll have another look though, cheers mate. 

 

If you open it up when connected live to the car you’ll be able to save the .cal off the ecu then have a look. On my 5 porter the base maps from sc were way off, even one pretty much same spec, would barely run.

 

 

I've heard that the base maps can be fairly hit and miss, how did you sort yours out? 

[KTS]

if we're in 'clutching-at-straws' territory (and i should point out i've got no previous experience at all with this type of engine), the picture below shows the leads attached to the coil pack with the lead plugged in at lower left with no slack in it.  possible that lead goes to #1 plug ?

 

https://www.speciali.../m/img_7074.jpg

 

..or not ? maybe that's a mock-up just for the photo ?

Edited by KTS, 24 December 2020 - 05:24 PM.

[Chris1992]

if we're in 'clutching-at-straws' territory (and i should point out i've got no previous experience at all with this type of engine), the picture below shows the leads attached to the coil pack with the lead plugged in at lower left with no slack in it.  possible that lead goes to #1 plug ?

 

https://www.speciali.../m/img_7074.jpg

 

..or not ? maybe that's a mock-up just for the photo ?

 

Good eye, but I have a feeling that may be a mock up. I went through the firing order a few times with the SC guys on the phone, so I'm certain I have it correct. Who knows though! 

[KTS]

interestingly, the picture of the other unit looks similar;  looks like left posts do 1&2 and right posts 3&4 

 

https://www.speciali...n_cull-8908.jpg

 

..as you say; who knows ?  hopefully someone does.....

[Chris1992]

interestingly, the picture of the other unit looks similar;  looks like left posts do 1&2 and right posts 3&4 

 

https://www.speciali...n_cull-8908.jpg

 

..as you say; who knows ?  hopefully someone does.....

 

That's very peculiar! My understanding is that the coil supplied with these conversions is a ford part, and is split down the middle. The left 2 posts control plugs 2 and 3, and the right posts control 1 and 4. This made sense in my head due to how the pistons are paired in an A-series.  

[IronmanG]

I have heard quite a few different issues with the delta 400 from total loss of memory to poor base maps and pins being in the connectors in the wrong place. Not saying that cant happen on other ECUs.

[Shooter63]

I presume you have tried simply swopping the leads at the coil from one side to the other side of the coil as you know it fires a pair of cylinders at a time.it does sound like an ignition problem though, I presume the ECU came with the connectors fitted, if so I would check the coil wires have been fitted the right way round on the connector and the same with the crank sensor making sure it's earthed at the ECU end. If I remember right you paid a lot of money for your engine from SC, what seems strange is that it wasn't run and set up on a dyno before sending it out.if it was mine it would be back through there window by now. As a side point those injectors are massive for an engine of that expected output, a set of 440cc injectors are good for 300bhp at 80% duty cycle, something in the low 200's would do the job

Shooter

[Chris1992]

I presume you have tried simply swopping the leads at the coil from one side to the other side of the coil as you know it fires a pair of cylinders at a time.it does sound like an ignition problem though, I presume the ECU came with the connectors fitted, if so I would check the coil wires have been fitted the right way round on the connector and the same with the crank sensor making sure it's earthed at the ECU end. If I remember right you paid a lot of money for your engine from SC, what seems strange is that it wasn't run and set up on a dyno before sending it out.if it was mine it would be back through there window by now. As a side point those injectors are massive for an engine of that expected output, a set of 440cc injectors are good for 300bhp at 80% duty cycle, something in the low 200's would do the job

Shooter

 

Yep I've tried all manner of combinations with no luck. SC have had the ECU and loom back for testing and say everything is working fine, I will double check the coil and crank sensor wires though. Yes indeed it was no small price tag, and I do feel like that myself sometimes, but I'm just trying to stay patient with them as they are being helpful, and I'm certain this is a very small problem. I'd never really questioned the injectors as they are the ones they supply with all their engines, and I've spoken to a few people who run them with no issues. The way I see it, the fact I'm getting pops and bangs out the exhaust means that at least I'm getting some sort of ignition, it's just at the wrong time. 

[IronmanG]

I got 200s with mine.

[Chris1992]

I got 200s with mine

 

Interesting. I'll hang on to the ones I've got for now, as I feel that once I've actually got the car running I'll be able to tell if this is an issue or not. Not sure if this would actually prevent me from firing it up though?