Technical 1.4ie starting problems, but running well

[carlos1234]

Hi, I've got a 92 1.4ie and 2 weeks ago it failed to start. The breakdown mechanic checked the electrics and said it was a fuel supply problem so it was towed to a garage. They managed to start it after many attempts but couldn't find anything wrong.

It now takes about 30-40 attempts on the starter without ever firing.
Eventually it catches but fails a few more times, then it catches and makes a sluggish start. Once started, its perfect, and always starts first time after that. A few hours later and it will take a few tries. The next day, back to square one !

I've checked -
fuel filter - ok.
sparks - ok
what next ???

 

[ben743]

It sounds like a temperature related problem which points in the direction of the crankshaft TDC sensor. This sensor, which is just a fine coil, very much like a tape recorder head, has the tendency to develop an internal break which is temperature dependent.

I would try and replace this sensor first.

It should not be extremely expensive (about 50 pounds, but I have no specific source in mind) and is very simple to replace.

The sensor is held by two bolts to a bracket on the flywheel housing. Make sure that you open the bolts that hold the sensor to the bracket and NOT the bolts that hold the bracket to the flywheel housing as they are carefully positioned at the factory (If these bolts were not tampered with, one of them should be a shear bolt that you will not be able to open even if you want to).

All in all it is a very simple job to replace this sensor.

Good Luck,
Benjamin