1989 Mini 1000, starting problems

countyhouse

Have 1989 mini, started it and took it out of the garage, it stopped, then started for five seconds again and again, but then would not start. Sound like petrol starvation, but tank half full, checked pump and it is working, took off rubber pipe up at carb and petrol flowing. Checked plugs and spark at all four, not dirty or oiled. Checked points and while spark there it appeared a bit weak and intermittent. But still looked like it was enough to start her. Could the coil be at fault? It was a little warm. Anything else I can check And how do I check the coil. Not easy getting an old coil to check it, but must try tomorrow.

John.G

You might have a SU carburettor, if so, there is a oil filled dashpot on top of it which may need topping up with a drop of engine oil, google it and you will see what I mean.

countyhouse

John.G wrote: »

You might have a SU carburettor, if so, there is a oil filled dashpot on top of it which may need topping up with a drop of engine oil, google it and you will see what I mean.

I checked that as well and it looks ok with oil in it and pressure in it when I screw top on again, thank you

John.G

I don't recall any pressure in that oil reservoir, just topped it up, there may be a slight resistance when re inserting the "cap"?.

Check level in float chamber and also that the choke mechanism/lever is connected and raising and lowering the jet tube, photo attached, but yours is probably 20 years younger than the ones I worked on.

https://sucarb.co.uk/technical-su-carburetters

countyhouse

John.G wrote: »

I don't recall any pressure in that oil reservoir, just topped it up, there may be a slight resistance when re inserting the "cap"?.

Check level in float chamber and also that the choke mechanism/lever is connected and raising and lowering the jet tube, photo attached, but yours is probably 20 years younger than the ones I worked on.

https://sucarb.co.uk/technical-su-carburetters

Was a slight resistance as you say, oil level ok, tried another coil but no joy

John.G

It would still seem to point to a fueling problem since it did start originally but if the float (fuel) chamber is full and the needle valve can be lifted up and down with the lifting pin (if fitted) then can't think of much else on that side of things. It may be worth checking the static timing which can easily be done with a 12V bulb connected across the coil negative terminal and earth, switch on the ignition and turn the engine by hand, the bulb will illuminate when the points open = ignition point and there should be a mark somewhere on the flywheel pulley which will be ~ 7/10 deg BTDC.

The Red Ace

You say the car has points so the rotor may be breaking down to earth, pull off the ht lead from coil to distributor at at distb end get someone to try start the engine while holding the lead over the rotor, if you have sparks definitely rotor problem, had a similar problem on a rover p6 a few years ago

John.G

Any update on the problem?.