Intermittent starting
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Because advice is honestly and freely given in this technical section, much of it will be amateur experienced based, so any information is given in good faith and is not guaranteed as correct.
Not many rules really, this board being aimed at technical issues, it shouldn't fall foul (hopefully) of some of the more personal issues that can affect forums.
Rule 1 - Is that you need to think very carefully before posting anything technical or asking anything technical relating to the security system of the car - See 'Security Issues' sticky for more info.
Rule 2 - We (MGF Register) do not support copyright infringement and therefore references to CD ROM, PDF versions or paper copies of the workshop manual (for instance) should not be posted on the forum. We don't want to get into trouble and we'd rather sell you a genuine hard copy through our Regalia shop anyway!
Because advice is honestly and freely given in this technical section, much of it will be amateur experienced based, so any information is given in good faith and is not guaranteed as correct.
Intermittent starting
Hi guys, I have a worry at the moment with my early VVC. The car will sometimes start and cut out at once. There have been times when I have had to wait before trying again. My first thought is for the fuel filter, but I have no records from the previous owner. It runs fine once it is started.
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Charless
- Posts: 2365
- Joined: Tue Oct 09, 2007 1:52 pm
- MGF Register Region: South Coast
- Model of Car: 96 Mpi, 99 VVC
- Location: Chilbolton
Re: Intermittent starting
I shouldn't worry about the fuel filter if the car will rev happily and/or pull normally on the road. In 15 years of multiple F ownership I never came across poor starting and I haven't had to change the fuel filter in 187000 miles.
However recently working on a car with old fuel I have encountered it and could only dilute the problem with fresh fuel and injector cleaner.
However recently working on a car with old fuel I have encountered it and could only dilute the problem with fresh fuel and injector cleaner.
Re: Intermittent starting
It always is in use and never has a chance for the fuel to get stale. I might try a tank of higher octane though. currently on E95. Someone suggested that the choke or its modern equivalent might be sticking, but I think that is wrong as it is the same with a hot engine.
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Swampy
- Posts: 147
- Joined: Thu May 24, 2012 7:56 am
- MGF Register Region: Eastern Australia
- Model of Car: 1998 MGF VVC
- Location: Gold Coast, Queensland
Re: Intermittent starting
I know they’re hard to get to but, what do the spark plus look like? The firing end should be light brown/grey if the plugs are happy. Black gungy plugs may be an issue.
I had starting issues & replaced the plugs (over 5 years old) problem solved. Gapping will only work for so long.
I had starting issues & replaced the plugs (over 5 years old) problem solved. Gapping will only work for so long.
Green 1998 MGF VVC road/track car (Green machine)
Blue 1998 MGF VVC garden ornament (to be a track car - Smurfette)
Blue 1998 MGF VVC garden ornament (to be a track car - Smurfette)
Re: Intermittent starting
They looked fine when I did the head gasket last year.
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Rob Bell
- Committee Member
- Posts: 14438
- Joined: Tue Oct 02, 2007 2:36 pm
- MGF Register Region: South East
- Model of Car: MGF 1.8i + MGF Shed!
Re: Intermittent starting
A sudden cut out like this sounds rather electrical in nature - which may point towards the multi-relay pack or the inertia switch - I'd just go round checking all these.
Sometimes the ignition switch can cause problems too.
Might be helpful to log the engine data - if the live data cuts out, then power to the MEMS2J ECU is being interupted.
Sometimes the ignition switch can cause problems too.
Might be helpful to log the engine data - if the live data cuts out, then power to the MEMS2J ECU is being interupted.
Re: Intermittent starting
I have a simple diagnostic reader if that helps.
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talkingcars
- Posts: 5771
- Joined: Tue Mar 09, 2010 10:44 pm
- MGF Register Region: South East
- Model of Car: mk1 VVC
- Location: West Sussex
- Contact:
Re: Intermittent starting
Mk1 VVC is OBD1 so can't be read with an OBD2 reader, you need a T4 or a www.pscan.uk
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