Will not start - Strange happenings?
Turbo Mini Forums

I have done a search but nothing answers my questions.
I will provide some info on the engine first.
1293 turbo, bought from Rich on this forum.
Im using standard turbo carb, fse fuel pressure regulator set to 4 psi.
Im using omex 200 series ignition on DIS so no distributor.
NGK BP7ES plugs.
Motorcraft coil pack.
New, good quality leads.
Walbro fuel pump.

The issue is that the car tries to fire up, it coughs, splutters and bangs but will not run.

I have spark, i have the leads in the correct order with no1 lead from coilpack with (1) next to it and to cylinder closest to the rad. I have the ignition timing set with no1 cylinder at tdc.

I have fuel at the carb and i have fuel in the cylinders. Perhaps too much actually.
I have taken one set of plugs out and banged some new ones in. No difference. The plugs that i removed were black. Hence my thought of too much fuel?

The starter disengages like its about to fire but the engine immediately stops trying to fire.

Another thing to mention (im not sure if its related) is that if i put my foot on the clutch whilst cranking, it will not crank, almost like its seized. This worries me more than the engine not starting!!

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I had that once with a standard engine. Still don't know what went wrong really ( was 18 and didn't work on the car myself those days) but it had something to do with the flywheel not mounted correct. Leaving the crank end totally in deep scores.

you can do anything if you set your mind to it...
i rather blow it up winning than keep it together losing.

finish date set for project 1... march 2018

Pugs out, dry bores, clean plugs, drain old fuel, put new fuel in try again

Drives
-Ford S-max Mk2 Ecoboost
-Rover 100 VVC #2 - track project

Searching is all you need on TurboMinis

Check you cabling for the coil pack and crank sensor. If it's out you will get a spark, but not necessarily when you need it.

foot on the clutch would suggest crank thrusts are fucked


go though the basics first, compression test then spark test the test fuel pressure then timing ect ect

It is more likely a spark timing issue.

But if the engine doesnt turn over with your foot on the clutch....really, actually starting the engine is maybe of little importance ?

You might only end up causing more damage if it does start ?

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

Thanks for all the replies guys. I totally agree with stevieturbo, i need to solve what is causing the clutch problem before progressing. I replaced the clutch release bearing before the engine went in the car and adjusted the clutch accordingly. Could it just be an adjustment issue?

As for apbellamy reply, what do you mean cabling for the coil pack and sensors? How/why could they be 'out'? Or are you meaning the timing being out?

If the wires to the coil pack are the wrong way round, it could be firing the wrong plugs. Make sure the crank sensor is clean and in the right place. I've had swarf on the sensor causing poor starting and running.

No the coil pack is wired correctly. Checked that hundreds of times. And the crank sensor is clean also, its brand new in fact. I would like to mention that this is a new engine. The guy i bought it from had it running for 5 mins but never did any miles on it.

Is your plug order correct? Remember with wasted spark it 1-1 2-2 3-3 4-4.

I run a supercharger and I don't care the TB is on the wrong side.
VEMS + 12 PSI + Liquid Intercooler = Small Bore FUN!

What do you mean plug order? No 1 closest to rad.

yep so

coil pack 1 Head 1 Rad side
coil pack 2 Head 2
coil pack 3 Head 3
coil pack 4 Head 4 WOK side

You dont need to worry about the mini std firing order that you need on a dizzy.

I run a supercharger and I don't care the TB is on the wrong side.
VEMS + 12 PSI + Liquid Intercooler = Small Bore FUN!

Oh i understand now, yes they are in that order. I am still more concerned with my clutch issue for the moment to be honest!

Ooo yes you need to look at that!

I run a supercharger and I don't care the TB is on the wrong side.
VEMS + 12 PSI + Liquid Intercooler = Small Bore FUN!

with the clutches in mini's being so hard, I'm not supprised that the starter cant cope,

my advice is to keep your foot off the clutch! worry about it once it is running

In my experience, new thrusts tend to bind up a little until they have bedded in. In addition if you are using a heavier clutch along with the inadequate inertia starter, turning the engine over with the clutch disengaged will be near impossible.

Hi Joe, this seems pointless though as surely it will lead to further problems when the engine is running. For example changing gear? I have never known an engine not be able to turn over with the clutch depressed?

with somthing like a grey or double grey clutch you have 1100-1200lb of force against the thrusts,

you do not want them running dry, ie clutch pressed down when starting,

get it started let some fresh oil get through the thrusts, then try the clutch gently, if the engine shows signs of stalling then look for an issue, if it doesent slow down then your ok.

to reiterate, with little to no oil on the thrusts that kind of force can make a lot of friction, and if you persist with the clutch down your likly to fuck the thrusts.

Thanks Joe, that makes much more sense now. I will get the engine running and see what happens afterwards.

Do you have a decent engine earth strap?


Nial.