MG metro turbo won't start
Turbo Mini Forums

This is my first posting so sorry in advance if I have done ti wrong or if the info is already on the site.

I have just bought a 1985 MG Metro turbo. When I viewed it it started but did not pull. He had tried a number of things (changinf dizzy, new plugs, I think the fuel pump frig etc) but when we got it home it would not start at all.

Checked 12v at coil etc all seems fine. only differences from standard seemed to be:
Lucas 65DM4 distributor fitted from later car (mine seemed to ahve seperate ignition module suggesting origional distributor was a 59DM4). Seems to be wired in OK with live and earth to module on side.
The float vent valve is present but just vents to air (should there be a pipe after the valve?)
The fuel pump relay has been bypassed as now runs all the time ignition is on rather than on cranking or oil pressure

Replaced leads, cap and rota arm and started first time, idelled and reved well etc but eventually stalled and will not re start even though retained a good strong spark from king lead and at the plugs

Onlt additional clues are:
Float vent hisses all the time and can be heard in the car (when blocked while car was running made car stall although previous topic suggests blanking this off?)
When the car origionally started I'm sure the tacho would register a few 100 rpm when cranking, now it does not
When running boost gauge does not register anything
After prolonged cranking there is a smell of petrol in the car but assumed this is the vent?

Any clues/suggestions as where to go next as although in reasonable condition I do not want to spent a lot of time and money bring the body back to life only to find the engine, wiring etc beyond all hope.

Thanks in advance

Martin Baker

Thanks in advance

Have you checked the fuel preasure? could be flooding. the regulator might be set wwrong or failed.

Float vent valve should be closed when running so there is an issue there by the sounds of it.

As Andy says check the fuel pressure and search for "t-piece trick or "tee-piece trick" it could be that your carb is playing up.

If something is worth doing, it's worth doing half of.