26 replies to this topic

[Protarmic]

This is called running on or dieseling and has many causes. The basic problem is that there is excess risidual heat in the combustion chambers so that the fuel will continue to ignite even with the ignition system switched off. It can be due to ignition or cam timing, fuelling, cooling, compression, age or lubrication problems but it ultimately a symptom of an engine being out of tune in some way. Some higher states of engine tuning are forced to be in this state which is why some (but by no means all) late Minis with HIF carbs have anti run-on valves. I think fitment of the valve is limited to the ERA Turbo and RSP Cooper. Running on is very bad for an engine as there is not enough oil flowing while the engine is erratically crashing around with the ignition off and as such it can cause severe damage if it carries on for any time.

Protarmic, I doubt this is what is causing your car to keep running as long as the headlamps are switched on unless by some fluke you are always switching the headlamps off just when the dieseling stops. You really need to find out if there is a wiring fault because it could potentially be very dangerous.

Its been dry today and it hasnt been a problem. I had my sidelights on today for my usual journey and the engine stopped when i wanted it to. I have my dash out and i cant find any burnt wires.. Where abouts is the earth for the headlights anyway?

Edited by Protarmic, 13 February 2007 - 06:17 PM.

[Protarmic]

This is called running on or dieseling and has many causes. The basic problem is that there is excess risidual heat in the combustion chambers so that the fuel will continue to ignite even with the ignition system switched off. It can be due to ignition or cam timing, fuelling, cooling, compression, age or lubrication problems but it ultimately a symptom of an engine being out of tune in some way. Some higher states of engine tuning are forced to be in this state which is why some (but by no means all) late Minis with HIF carbs have anti run-on valves. I think fitment of the valve is limited to the ERA Turbo and RSP Cooper. Running on is very bad for an engine as there is not enough oil flowing while the engine is erratically crashing around with the ignition off and as such it can cause severe damage if it carries on for any time.

Protarmic, I doubt this is what is causing your car to keep running as long as the headlamps are switched on unless by some fluke you are always switching the headlamps off just when the dieseling stops. You really need to find out if there is a wiring fault because it could potentially be very dangerous.

Where should i begin looking?

[Dan]

Sorry Protarmic, I didn't understand that you were trying to link both the running on and ignition problems to water in general. I thought you were saying that a damp dizzy was the root of your problems. Check the condition of your fuse box (if it's the four way type on the bulkhead). Do you have water seals at the rear of the bonnet? Is the fusebox dirty and damp? If so try a good clean or better still just a new one and get the bonnet properly sealed up.

[Protarmic]

Sorry Protarmic, I didn't understand that you were trying to link both the running on and ignition problems to water in general. I thought you were saying that a damp dizzy was the root of your problems. Check the condition of your fuse box (if it's the four way type on the bulkhead). Do you have water seals at the rear of the bonnet? Is the fusebox dirty and damp? If so try a good clean or better still just a new one and get the bonnet properly sealed up.

I had a wee look at it while i was out. And it didnt look that bad. well no visible signs of any melted wires. Looked fairly dry also. Its dry today, but it happened again. Looks like its happening if i have the lights on for too long. Could this be an earth problem with the lights? Where is the lights earth anyway. I just got the headlights rewired in.

[Gibbon]

page 1 of this topic really is very very funny

[Jimmyarm]

Check your points gap using a dwell meter, for some reason it causes mine to run on when it is bang on the mark according to haynes but if I adjust it down to the lower end of the acceptable range it stops it

[998dave]

I was going to say the engine running on is mot likely a coked up engine, or too much timing advance.

Can't think how the timing would be like that, unless the dizzy was knocked - can't think how damp would cause it, but dry the dizzy out and WD40 round it, also you could try a marigold, or condom over the cap to try to keep it dry! Or get a proper splash guard...

Coked up engine, would involve taking of cylinder head and cleaning everything up, new gaskets required, and resetting of tappets, so can be a long job, depending on experience.

D

[scottyegg]

well im kindov having the same problem once the car has been ran up to tempreture and left for a while turn the key off and the car continues to run not properly just runs like chuckerling for anbout 5 seconds then goes off also if i press the gas it goes off straight away and input would be well acsepted

thanks scotty

[dying2live06]

ok i shall explain more as last time i looked at this it has no replys
the dizzy isnt wet anymore because i broke down on the m25 because of it being wet
its 998 with 62000 mile so i dont think its cokeing wen it runs on it does it for about 5secs then stops
im going 2 get my timing checked does this help also while im here i cant find a dizzy gaurd newhere
or am i just stupid looked on net and can only find fixing kit and ive got a marigold on the at the mo but it looks awful
an 1 more thing the diagram on P1 really tickeld me i am also by no means a mechanic but that was so funny i think i peed a little

[mad'n'bad]

I also concur!!!

[taffy1967]

Late Minis with HIF carbs have anti run-on valves. I think fitment of the valve is limited to the ERA Turbo and RSP Cooper.

I've also got one on my 1990 Mainstream Mini Cooper too.

Oh and you can buy Mini ignition/engine splash guards off E-bay in any colour you like or new from most Mini specialists like Mini Spares:-

Latest Engine Shield From Mini Spares Link

[rozzer!]

i had this problem with my mini. i was advised by my mechanic to use 99 octane fuel as opposed to 95 octane and to alter the timing very slightly to compensate. this has worked wonders with the car. no more preignition!