New 1988 Mini, start up issues!
Discussion
Hi, new to the site, hope somebody can help! (my questions have probably arisen before) At the weekend I bought a 1988 mini, already I'm having problems starting her up. It's a manual choke obviously, I don't think (I hope) I'm doing anything wrong with that, but when I turn the key it really has trouble starting, on the run back after buying it on a couple of occasions the car just died (not stalling) when waiting at lights. She didn't seem to idle well, burbling up to 1000rpm, then dropping down low again. Tonight it took me 10 minutes to start her up and I noticed that when I did the dash lit up at the same time? Surely this should happen on the half turn? But then she just died again quite quickly. Obviously it's very cold at the moment so thought that wouldn't help? I've read about the possibility of a fuse problem, as my also indicators seem to be VERY temperemental, they start to tick faster and faster before eventually just staying on? Thought this may be related. I'm awaiting my Haynes to arrive but am worried already that it might be a serious electrical problem...and obviously I don't want to flatten the battery by turning her over and over. It's annoying because structurally and mechanically she's solid. Any ideas/advice? Sorry about the long post. Thanks in advance!
Are all of these things relatively easy with a Haynes? Hopefully it should arrive soon!
Regarding the dash, it only came on when I got the engine turning over, is this normal? I would have thought you'd be able to get it lit by turning the key in the ignition to the point before ignition itself?
Is there any danger of me making things worse by trying to get it started repeatedly? Apart from wasting the battery?
Regarding the dash, it only came on when I got the engine turning over, is this normal? I would have thought you'd be able to get it lit by turning the key in the ignition to the point before ignition itself?
Is there any danger of me making things worse by trying to get it started repeatedly? Apart from wasting the battery?
Could also be a carb related issue ?
Water in the float chamber / jet ?
If a HIF 44 ( http://www.sucarb.co.uk/News.aspx?id=98 )
the jet is inside the float chamber, and gets stuck, so you cant adjust it.
Good luck.
Water in the float chamber / jet ?
If a HIF 44 ( http://www.sucarb.co.uk/News.aspx?id=98 )
the jet is inside the float chamber, and gets stuck, so you cant adjust it.
Good luck.
Minis most of the time are quite easy to work on. What you are trying to do is give your self a good start. After the eurvice you will know that the plugs and other parts are good and oil and water are good (antifrez etc).
From the point you can see if the problem is still there.
If so you can get a survice kit for SU carbs. Its not hard just takes time.
As far as staring it will build up heat on the starter solinode if you turn over to long. So it dose make them were out a bit quicker but you should it working well soon.
Bad running I think is alway hard to work out over the net.
From the point you can see if the problem is still there.
If so you can get a survice kit for SU carbs. Its not hard just takes time.
As far as staring it will build up heat on the starter solinode if you turn over to long. So it dose make them were out a bit quicker but you should it working well soon.
Bad running I think is alway hard to work out over the net.
MCBrowncoat said:
So, the latest on this - I can now not turn the key in the ignition, and the steering appears to have seized....The AA have been called.....
You have the steering lock stuck on. You need to wiggle the wheel and the key a little at the same time to unlock it.Your idling problems sound like you could have an air leak around the carburettor. If you have easy start or WD40, spray it around where the carb is attached to the manifold, and the manifold to the engine. If the revs rise you have air leaking in which would stop it from idling properly.
the other potential problem could be a worn jet/needle - those are fairly easy to replace.
As for the bulbs I changed the indicator relay when I had the same problem. It is under a tenner posted from minisport. Make sure you get the relay that is just for indicators, not the later one that is combined with the hazard replay. This will only take 2 minutes to swap even if you are a bit unsure with mechanics.
As for running will it run if the choke is left on half or so? If it has been stood (which I think it has reading between the lines), I would fill the float chamber with fresh petrol (3 screws), and fill the tank. If it runs ok on this then you know it is a fueling issue. As this is cheapest and easiest way to diagnose the problem I would try this and report back if that didnt work.
As for running will it run if the choke is left on half or so? If it has been stood (which I think it has reading between the lines), I would fill the float chamber with fresh petrol (3 screws), and fill the tank. If it runs ok on this then you know it is a fueling issue. As this is cheapest and easiest way to diagnose the problem I would try this and report back if that didnt work.
One day, I'd like to be able to actually drive my car...The engine was flooded, which is why it wouldn't start, AA man burnt off the excess round the spark plugs. Trouble is, he noted that the battery was dead when he arrived, and I believe this to be due to the aftermarket Vision alarm which is fitted, and with not having had the chance to drive the car to recharge it it's just rinsed the battery. So I had one opportunity to start her just now before the battery discharged....reads about 12V on the first and drops to about 9V on the second turn of the key. What's the best option here, the battery itself looks pretty new, so I think I need to get a charger...or just buy a new one?
Hi all, I'd just like to say thanks for all your advice on this. I changed the battery tonight and all seems well; A bit jittery, but I think that's the lead additive mix I've gotta get right. Plus getting warmed up. Gonna take it on a long run at the weekend I think, back to visit mum should do (London to Scarborough). And my indicator relay has arrived, but it's in Green Lanes postie so I have to pick up tomorrow to fit. All in all, despite the setbacks, I'm loving it, it's much more interesting than owning a bloody Civic (which is what AA man said I should have bought (yeah right)!!! Cheers!
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