5 replies to this topic

[KevinYoung]

Hi all I have a mini with the 1275 engine , I had not used it for a while but when I did the car started and idled but when I pressed the throttle pedal the car died, it did start up again but just won’t run, has anyone got any ideas please I am a novice mechanic but could try simple easy stuff,.

thank you 

[Chris1275gt]

It would be a good idea to let everyone know what mini it is, year and model to start with.

Edited by Chris1275gt, 11 May 2024 - 10:55 PM.

[sonscar]

If it has a carb remove the plastic dashpot screw and see if the piston moves up and down and that it has oil in it,Steve,

[alpder]

If it used to run fine when it was put away, and since then no-one has adjusted the carb or the ignition timing... then don't (yet) be tempted to make any adjustments to those things. The chances are that it's all still adjusted fine, and that something just needs free'ing up.

 

If "standing a while" means more than a few months then also pop some fresh fuel into it.

 

And, as above... it'd really help to know more about it. If you don't know the details, maybe post pics of the engine bay to give us some clues

[Icey]

I used to be dismissive of bad fuel being a cause of poor running as we used to start engines on really...really old fuel without a problem. But times change.

 

I put some fuel in ours in February just to run it up after some changes. No issues, good starting and running. Went to start it last week - no chance. Went through the basic checks and some cleaning - nothing.

Eventually just sprayed some brake clean into the intake and the engne fired. Drained the fuel, put fresh in and it started and drove without a problem.

 

So...if it hasn't been used in >3mths, try putting some brake/carb clean/easy-start into the intake, if it fires chances are the fuel is dead and you'll need to drain and refill.

[cal844]

It depends how fresh the fuel is. I've had cars run up after 6 months standing, others wouldn't run after a month...

I personally use Tesco 99 Super Unleaded, if I can't get this I use Shell V Power.