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MG MGF Technical - Still not starting, no sparks.

As my earlier post says my wifes 1996 VVCi wont start after being left out when it was snowing (lots of snow found it's way into the engine!!).

I've done a bit more digging and there seems to be no spark getting to any of the plugs. It turns over OK but obviously without the spark it isn't going to fire up.

I've checked all the connections I could find and put WD40 on to see if that gets rid of any moisture. Still not starting so what other checks can I do? Has anybody got a digram for the ignition system? I know a little bit about cars but never worked on an MGF engine before (how awkward do they make it, *bathes cut hands in nice warm water*!!!!).

Thanks in advance,

David
David

I too have a 1996 VVC and also suffered from starting problems.

I still had the original factory fitted HT leads on the car and after advice had these changed. The car now starts at the very first turn over.

If your leads are still the original it may be well worth changing these, this would also account for the lack of spark possibly.
C Tanton

The leads do die, and the plugs can get wet - when you say 'no spark' how have you checked this?.

One connection I gaurantee you have not tried is the crank sensor. The crank sensor is on the body of the block, just where it starts to bell out, at the gearbox end, pointing into the flywheel.

If you are assuming 'no spark' because you can smell petrol from the exhaust pipes then it is wholly possible the engine is flooded, and in this weather engines may stay flooded for days, to cure this pull the fuel pump fuse and crank for a few seconds, the car will splutter and die, now reinsert the fuse and try again.
Will Munns

HT leads were changed last year and the plugs are brand new (about 4 weeks old). Checked for spark by removing the plug and connecting it back up to the HT lead and turning the car over.

Will try the fuel pump fuse method as it's more than likely to be flooded by now. Which is the fuel pump fuse?

Well thanks for the help, will let you know how I get on, (will be tomorrow as I'm off to work now).
Dvaid

From Rob's site...

And if all else fails…

… apply lots of vaseline (!) round the ECU connections to ensure that these connectors are damp free.

Graham Martin

See for page 10/11 K-Series 1.8 VVC

@ http://www.mgfcar.de/schedules/index.htm
Dieter

plz dont use grease to seal any connectors till everything is dry and working - else you just seal in the moisture!!
Will Munns

Oops!
Graham Martin

This thread was discussed on 21/03/2006

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