SPI Emmision woes

[Twink1598]

Sorry another appeal for help. Our SPI mini has developed a fueling problem. It's running really rich, black tail pipe, MOT failure rich.

I have tried our "Spare" ECU but this has not helped, so I'm assuming a sensor failure. Where should I start looking? are there any DIY devices to talk to the ECU?

Thanks in anticipation.

Mike

[guru_1071]

a sooty exhaust and over rich is normally a failed lambda sensor.

there is an easy test to be a little more sure though, start the car from cold and go for a steady drive, after 5-10 minutes the car will start to stutter/miss, though this will clear after five or so minutes, if it does its 100% the lambda failed,

nothing else will appear wrong with the car, tickover will be normal and steady etc

ive seen a good few of them with this problem and a new lambda always sorts it.

if it doesnt do the missing trick and runs smooth, the other suspect can be the water temp sensor failing, this makes the brain 'think' that the water is cold, so leaves the choke on for ages, this in time will also damage the lamda sensor.

[Twink1598]

Thank you Guru, excellent advice as usual. Although the Lambda sensor was recently replaced when the go faster exhaust was fitted, I think it was a pattern part and may well have failed prematurely, I'll have a test drive at the weekend.

Does the temerature sensor in the bottom of the radiator provide temperature information to the ECU?

Mike

[guru_1071]

Twink1598 said:

. Although the Lambda sensor was recently replaced when the go faster exhaust was fitted, I think it was a pattern part and may well have failed prematurely, I'll have a test drive at the weekend.

Does the temerature sensor in the bottom of the radiator provide temperature information to the ECU?

Mike

if its running no cat and a huge exhaust this can upset how the car runs also.

the switch in the radiator only tells the fan when to turn on and off, the temp switch is the one under the inlet manifold, its easier to take the injection off if your going to swop it as they are really tight. a code reader will show if its fualty though, mine will give an error code and show a low temp reading, so its obvious if its playing up.

[Twink1598]

The car has a cat, the exhaust is Minisport stage 1 stainless steel system with LCB, so not extreme.

Will the DIY OBD fault code readers, that seem available quite cheaply, talk to the Mini? I thought the Rover ECU predated the OBD standard.

At least I don't have these problems with our old 1275GT!

Mike

[guru_1071]

you will need one of the sykes code readers that takes the cards, they are pretty cheap.

ive got a proper rover one, a very lucky buy off ebay!!!

the spi reader socket is round with three pins, so the obd ones wont work with it

[Robert C]

I too had my exhaust system renewed, including the manifold and a new lamba sensor.

MOT time came and it wouldn't pass because of emissions. After much advice from "so called experts" who offered lots of suggestions about changing this and that - none of which had any effect on the problem.

I then got hold of a pukka Rover lamba sensor - problem solved.....

If it's still happening it might be worth checking the lamb.

Robert

[Twink1598]

Thank's for that. I have followed Guru's advice and changed the temp sensor in the bottom of the inlet manifold, but don't know if that's been sucessful yet, although the old one seems to work on the bench

As the kindly MOT man also had a poor opinion of the rear shocks, and guess what I found when I took out the tank?

[FWDRacer]

Loads of rust and prematurely rotted out rear arches?

[Twink1598]

Do you have psychic powers?

This car is fighting all the way, I only bought it to use while I restore our 72 1275 GT, still I guess it's character forming

Mike

Edited for spooling.

Edited by Twink1598 on Tuesday 12th March 09:00

[FWDRacer]

Post '89 the quality of steel used in Minis is so poor. If they aren't filled with Dinitrol or Waxoyl from birth most are already well on the way to the big scrapheap in the sky. I've a 1992 shell that has corrosion in it that beggars belief. I too.... like a challenge, so will be performing open heart surgery on my shell in order to get it back on its wheels. It is very much a 'Long term' project.

Good luck with sorting the rear end out on your car - pay masses of attention to the structural integrity of the shock towers.

[Bpirie1000]

Did you get to the bottom of this?

Coolant temperature sensor?
Vacume pipes?
Loose/damaged wire

[Grumbly]

To be honest I can't remember. Haven't really used the car, although it's still tucked away under a cover on the drive. I should get round to selling it really.

[PH5121]

'Our*' Spi Cooper is off the road too (and has been for a few years) due to an issue akin to over fueling as if the choke was out all of the time. The temperature gauge never moved from cold so a new thermostat was installed to no avail.

• I say our, It is my sons but I pay for the insurance etc. The car was my dads, he gifted it to my son when he was a few months old. The car wasn't driven by my dad and has sat in one of his garages unused for the past 11 years (my son in now nearly 12).

It was something my dad was going to get around to sorting one day, but he died last year so it's still sat there. Unfortunately my automotive skills are not great as my dad was so good at this stuff as a youngster I was assistant and helper, but never did much myself.

I'd like to get it sorted but don't know where best to start with it. Any recommendations for someone in the Yorkshire area who is familiar with the Spi set up and could have a look would be gratefully received.

TIA PH

[FWDRacer]

Andy Harrison (www.acespeed.co.uk) would be a good person to contact, and may be able to point you in the direction of someone that can assist with the SPi.

[PH5121]

FWDRacer said:

Andy Harrison (www.acespeed.co.uk) would be a good person to contact, and may be able to point you in the direction of someone that can assist with the SPi.

Thanks Gareth, I'll get in touch with them.

Paul