Won\'t start / backfires!
Turbo Mini Forums

Hi I've recently replaced my gearbox on a standard metro turbo engine in my mini however it just won't start. It turns over but backfires through the exhaust any ideas thanks jack

Ignition timing,

I reckon the plug leads are on wrong,

I'm with Joe check the timing. Set it to t.d.c and check your rotor arm. Make sure it's on number 1 lead you may be 180 out.

It can be a easy mistake to make and easily over looked.

Hi ye it's at no1 lead and I've got the leads at 1342 any suggestions!!

Silly question but set anti clockwise...?

Edited by Turbo_Jonesy on 15th Jan, 2011.

Also you need to take out the dizzy and then screw a bolt into the drive that is retained in the block.
Pull it out and re-engage it so the slot is angled toward 2 o'clock with the smaller section on the top.

I think that's the correct way. I'm sure someone can confirm or correct that, it's in the Haynes manual with diagram though if you have one.

what one are you counting as number 1?

Ok I can try taking it out I am using radiator end as no 1 yes they are set anticlockwise just really thrown me out lol I'm stuck!!

You did set it to TDC on the compression stroke didn't you?

Yep! Tdc was set I will have a good look over it tomorrow and see if I've missed something could it be the mixture !!

more likely plug leads or dizzy position

9.85 @ 145mph
202mph standing mile
speed didn't kill me, but taxation probably will

Hi I've had no luck today fuel is getting through I've a good spark and leads are correct just will not start it still backfires any more ideas I'm really stuck and don't want to strip anything down really

Thanks jack

So you are saying each cylinder is getting the spark at the correct time, confirmed with a timing light ?


I suspect not.

9.85 @ 145mph
202mph standing mile
speed didn't kill me, but taxation probably will

No but it was running before and all is back how it was and I have a spark at each plug !

mate put some new spark plugs in.

if the old ones are pretty black it wont start.

9.85 @ 145mph
202mph standing mile
speed didn't kill me, but taxation probably will

sounds to me like you have messed up the leads from the dizzie its easily done i am sure everyone on here has done it.
Did u remove the ht leads from teh cap? if not rotate teh cap 180 deg if no check you have them in the right order on the cap. in the metro Haynes manual there is an excellent diagram showing you which one is which on the dizzie end as well as the engine

"Tuning should be a compromise between what is possible and what is necessary"

10)Thou shalt always quest for more power

All leads are correct the Haynes manuel helped with that I will try new leads and plugs ! But u tjought I might get something even if it ran like a bag of spanners?