14 replies to this topic

[joekenton]

Hi, I have a recurring issue which I can't get to the bottom of:

 

Issue:

Car starts every time, most of the time runs absolutely fine, will occasionally completely cut out while driving along. After cutting out it is difficult to start again, but after waiting a few minutes, will usually start and drive again. The car is also cutting soon after starting most times, if I don't rev it for a bit and warm it up. While running the car is not overheating.

 

What I have already tried:

• Fuel filter changed, fuel tank inspected and is clean, small filter on fuel pump is also clear
• Oil filter and oil changed
• New air filter
• New spark plugs, plug leads, rotor arm and dizzy cap
• Checked and replaced 4 (all?) of the vacuum lines, replaced the following part numbers: MLH10026 / MLH10022 / PHP10027 / PHP10043
• Checked crankshaft sensor, seems OK as far as I can tell (I could always be wrong)

Anyone got an ideas what could be causing this?

Edited by joekenton, 01 January 2021 - 10:23 PM.

[MiniMadRacer]

You really need to ge tthe thing plugged in and diagnosed... chances are its a sensor playing it

[MatthewsDad]

As above a diagnostic check best way forward as probably sensor related, but just checking, are you blowing any fuses when you lose power?

[joekenton]

Sorry, I forgot to mention, I have a diagnostics cable with an app on my phone. All fault codes are coming up as OK, I can dump the log however if someone here understands it.

[FlyingScot]

Check the basics like any car.

 

Are you getting fuel to the injector unit?

Do you have a spark?

 

Then loose or chaffed wiring or earths first.

Crank sensor can drop fuel pump supply so check this and it’s connector carefully.

check connections to the coil. Also coil itself (see pinned information on testing)

 

Diagnostics on MEMS will likely show nothing - it’s not designed like modern systems.

Likewise other sensors - they won’t cause it to cut out. MEMS will try everything to keep the engine running even with multiple sensors damaged /missing.

just methodology go through. 
 

ive had “similar” faults which turned out to a range of issues as the root cause. Even had one where the car cut out when it was warmed up after running for a while and then difficult to restart....a pain but turned out the coil was breaking down when hot.

 

FS

[genpop]

Dump the logfile.Check the fuses,Especially for the fuelpump.Check the main relay, there is a thread on the main relay here in the forum.

But I think its the fuelpump!

[FlyingScot]

I have had diagnostic gear since these were current and whilst useful and invaluable I often see over reliance on them thinking that they will pin point faults. Remember that most faults are simple 

 

FS

[Revd]

Fuel pump would be my culprit- my Lotus Elise behaved as the OP described and was cured with a new pump

[joekenton]

I have exported the Rover MEMs log. For context, this is the car start up from standstill, idling for a bit, then cutting out:

 

https://drive.google...iew?usp=sharing

 

I will take a look at the fuses

[genpop]

can`t you upload that logfile here?

[joekenton]

can`t you upload that logfile here?

 

It won't let me, I've also put it here for those without a Google account: https://www.sendspace.com/file/ycbsyq

[oohaargh]

Symptoms are identical to the fault I had on my 96 spi (tlhttps://www.theminif...g/#entry3678679).

On mine the tank had been fitted poorly after a respray from the previous owner, and the fuel line coming out of the tank was kinked. Sorting that helped but I think the pump was also damaged as it started playing up again. Only recently replaced the pump but it looks promising, hasn't had any problems again so far.

https://www.ebay.co....4.m46890.l49292 was the one I used, worth a go for under £50

[genpop]

log looks good without the water temperature, it drops from 83 to zero.But this may be a fault in the diagnostic tool.

[joekenton]

I will do the following and report back here:

 

1) Check the fuses, if there's nothing out of the ordinary...

2) Replace fuel pump, if no improvement...

3) Check coil for issues, and replacement as a preventative measure.

Edited by joekenton, 04 January 2021 - 03:24 PM.

[joekenton]

Ok for anyone who finds this via search: It was the fuel pump.

 

I bought the injection fuel pump from minispares, had to hacksaw the in-tank connector a little and use the supplued rubber tubing, also had to strip and re-wire the wires leading to the pump, but it worked and all the issues have disappeared.