Hi there, I'm new to this forum but have read a great deal of threads recently. I have a 1997 R reg 1.6 SX Auto Bravo. I have done a huge amount of work on it including a new head gasket, cambelt, filters, plugs, etc.

After all this when the engine was back together it fired up well, and revved nicely. However, it has been left standing for a while (5 months?) and now fails to start up. The starter turns, the fuel pump primes, there is pressure in the fuel pipe, there are sparks 'cos it tries really hard to fire. It might just catch for a few seconds rev and then die. It is almost as if it isnt getting enough fuel, or air?

The throttle appears to open OK, I have had the air filter pipes off. Sometimes, when trying to get it to catch the engine seems to backfire or pop. I dont think it is the timing as when it does fire it is smooth, but that doesnt last!!

Pumping the throttle seems to make it worse, in fact touching it at all during the process is a no-no.

If it is left for a while it tries again, but subsequent tries get worse until the battery starts to complain.

Also, the ECU has been "doctored" to turn off the immobiliser, 'cos I had problems with that a while ago - but I know that all works 'cos is was fine earlier this year.

I am at a loss as to what to look for now, and thought I would ask you guys....this is before I do a real Basil Fawlty on it.

Thanks...

this often happens after sitting for a few months, and its usually due to damp on the connectors (remember its an italian car )

if it hasnt been garaged, get it in a garage and keep it dry, and leave the bonnet open. on warm sunny days get it outside in the air to get plenty of ventilation.

if you want to try and get it running i'd got for a bump start in 2nd gear down a long hill, before you do this remove the sparkplugs and make sure they are dry, also check that they are sparking while you have them out.

Hi there JUG...thanks for your reply.

However, I have checked the connectors and everything appears to be OK, they are not wet, but I might just give them all a spray of WD40 just to help.

Fraid I can't do the bump start - it's an auto!!

I'll check for sparks, but I think they are going to be OK as it does run (for a short period) and then dies - when it does start (usually the first or second go) it idles OK and then just dies...

I'll check injector continuity and crank sensor too. Is it possible that the injectors are sticking, or that the fuel pressure is dropping, therefore starving the engine of fuel. I have checked the fuel line at the engine end, it does have pressure in it, as when you undo the connector it certainly sprays out!!

Any more thoughts welcomed!!

Thanks.

Rhett said:

it does run (for a short period) and then dies - when it does start (usually the first or second go) it idles OK and then just dies...

Click to expand...

oh thats completely different!

it does sound like the fueling is the problem.

does the injection system fault light remain illuminated?

i would consider using a pressure gauge on the fuel rail.