197 Sport won't start

[T40ORA]

Just went to move the wife's car to hoover and wash it; it started and immediately stalled (unusual). I tried to start again and the starter spins but it won't catch.

It doesn't smell of petrol underbonnet but I know that it has flooded a couple of times in the past.

Is there a procedure (starting while gas pedal depressed) to clear the fuel. Alternatively, where is the fuel pump fuse? I seem to remember her having this problem and it was cleared by something like the accelerator pedal method, but (a) I might be worng, and (b) it might not be flooded.

And why does it happen when I start it? It will obviously be my fault......

TIA and in desperation!

[thiscocks]

flooded? Did they make special edition twin webber 197's!?.

Sounds like a starter motor problem if it is not turning over.

Not run out of fuel?

[T40ORA]

Nope; flooded/over fuelled. I left it for a couple of hours then managed to start it by flooring the accelerator as I spun it over.

Apparently it is common if they are started and run only for a short time.

[thiscocks]

interesting. Never heard of a new injector engine flooding. Surely must be a problem with the injectors that needs sorting out?

[T40ORA]

Possibly. According to a recovery guy I know, it's a known problem with these cars. I think he said that my 306 Rallye might suffer too. Maybe a French thing!


Although, I've experienced it once on the TVR (in 6- 70k miles) and once in our 180k MX5. So perhaps it's me!

[thiscocks]

Heard it happening in RX8's but never any other injected cars. As you say only happening from v short running times from cold. Guess you just have to avoid doing this with more performance orientated engines.

Might be worth checking the spark plugs from time to time if it does it often..

[T40ORA]

Yeah; it's due for a service so I'll tell my wife to get them to check them if it's not part of the schedule.