Hi
Can I pick your collective brains.
My sons classic mini, with single point injection, has a problem. It started misfiring, the odd cough here and there, gradually got worse untill it started to cut out, re-starts after a few churns. It makes no difference weather it's hot or cold.

Advised to change crank sensor "it's always that that goes wrong" We did that and it ran better than ever, for 10 miles then played up as bad as ever if not worse. The Question, is something killing the crank sensor, did we get a duff one (gen Rover) or was it coincidence that it was better for a while and it's something completely different?
Thank you in advance
Nick

PS Is any one going to watch the racing at brands tomorrow?

Probably not what you want to hear, but the symptoms are the same as having a crack in the head between the inlet and exhaust valves, thses engines are particularly prone to it

Crank sensor is a problem with the early MEMS systems but also check all the connection including the main one to the ECU. Clean these with switch cleanner or meths.

The other common early MEMS fault is the pipe between the throttlebody and the ECU fills up with fuel, disconnect it very carefully as the connector stub pipes are fragile and get more brittle with age --- disconnect both ends and blow through.

The other thing to check is the temperature sensor for the ecu and lambda output --- however check the above first.

Thanks for your replies, almost instantanious in true Locost Builders style.

We have had the car on a Snap-on code reader and it came up with all sorts of codes which we cleared and then drove for 5 miles and re checked, all was clear and all sensor readings were normal.

I don't think its a problem like cracks etc as it just doesn't have those sort of symptoms. In fact if it had a sensible set up I would say it was a condensor problem.

Also not unknown also for the vac pipe to the MAP senor INSIDE the ecu case to perish.

The case is easy enough to open up off vehicle.


Like most Rovers of this era they are also prone to rotor arm faults

What BT said. The vacuum pipes on these have a nasty habit of filling up with fuel and gunk, making them useless. Carefully remove them and clean with thinners or similar.

The Mini is now sorted, I hope.
Thank you for your ideas, tried them all but no joy. I eventually bit the bullit and sent the ECU away for testing.
It was apparently completly shot, the chap said he did not know how the car was running at all.
A quick recomendation ATP Industries Staffs. 01543 879788. Great service and price. The ECU was tested, a recon one reprogramed for the immobiliser and dispatched the day after it left me AND it was 1/2 the price the Mini specialists wanted. I was plesantly surprised it was only £150 inc VAT and carrage.

Thanks again for your help.

Nick