It's back but now misfiring (Was: Won't start)

s29ttc · Post by **s29ttc** » Thu Apr 18, 2013 5:45 pm

I can't see the video but check all the parts that related to ignition. So you start with a coil pack, which I am sure is double but not sure this would stop it starting, when mines went it ran rough that's all, but don't know enough. Check HT leads make sure they are all okay. Open the cover which is two star screws and take that off, you will see down the bores where the HT leads are plugged into the spark plugs, check for damp or water. The leads will just pull out with a bit of a tug as they can be tight. If its bone dry down there I would take spark plugs out and check condition of them. I even replaced mine so ease, it's like £40 for a set and simply screw them in, but you would need to source the issue causing the spark plugs to foul if its not through age. Other thing is it may be slightly flooded if constantly cranked. The last time I think I done this, the AA hit an inertia switch cranked it over a few times, hit a switch again and then it sparked to life. ps I know bugger all but hope maybe some steps will help!

Last option try give it a bump start, as it may start easier, but so with caution as I've heard of the mileage going funny

sendmyusername · Post by **sendmyusername** » Thu Apr 18, 2013 6:16 pm

Never thought of the inertia switch for that.
Bikes have a 'kill' switch that does the same though, and used that all the time.
Well, i've picked up a tip anyway (hopefully one i'll never need, but worthwhile all the same. )

tut · Post by **tut** » Thu Apr 18, 2013 6:20 pm

Sorry, did nor realise that the VVC used coil packs.

tut

steve_weegie · Post by **steve_weegie** » Thu Apr 18, 2013 7:09 pm

First thing to do is pop a plug out and see if you've got a spark when cranking. Obviously you'll need 2 people to do this

If you've got a spark, then turn your attention to fuel.

Where about in Glasgow are you? Anywhere close to Mount Florida??

robin · Post by **robin** » Thu Apr 18, 2013 7:15 pm

steve_weegie wrote:First thing to do is pop a plug out and see if you've got a spark when cranking. Obviously you'll need 2 people to do this

If you've got a spark, then turn your attention to fuel.

Where about in Glasgow are you? Anywhere close to Mount Florida??

Be careful here - you can bust the coil pack if you don't properly earth the plug ... so make sure the plug is properly earthed before you turn the ignition on.

Cheers,
Robin

puffin · Post by **puffin** » Thu Apr 18, 2013 7:34 pm

The car is parked underground in Partick so I've taken the cover off and will leave it 24 hours to see if it improves.

The underside of the cover had quite a bit of condensation on it and there was standing water around the top but the actual bores and HT cables came out dry. The cables do look quite corroded/rusty though and the seal between the cable and the bottom of the bore was sticky if that means anything? I lack the necessary tool to get the plugs out so no idea what condition they are in.

Coil pack is definitely a suspect as about two years ago I had a misfire problem that was solved by reseating the cables at the coil end. Unfortunately I lack the flexibility to get at the coil end from the top and no jack to get underneath so I don't know how I can diagnose that. Doesn't the presence of backfire on the initial crank indicate that the engine must have at least some spark in it? Would pulling the fuel pump fuse serve the same purpose as the inertia switch mentioned above and allow the plugs to dry out?

Anyway, that's probably the limit of my DIY skills so unless it miraculously springs to live after being left for a while I'm going to need someone to either fix it or tow it to someone who can

Thanks for your help everyone.

tut · Post by **tut** » Thu Apr 18, 2013 8:01 pm

It will not be the coil packs, unless all four went, which is not on the cards.

I had a bad misfire on the Audi TT caused by a failure on a coil pack, and a problem with the other but it still started OK.

tut

sendmyusername · Post by **sendmyusername** » Thu Apr 18, 2013 8:18 pm

I've not checked, but isn't there two coil packs pairing up two cylinders ? 1&4 and 2&3 ?
Even my cheap bikes had that.
Agree with the earthing of the plug, make sure you do that, and make sure there's no petrol vapour from the cylinder venting to atmosphere or you may need new underpants.
Pop plugs out, look and see what the story is, make sure you don't mix up the ht leads when it comes to refitting them.
If you were closer i'd offer to come over for moral support.

steve_weegie · Post by **steve_weegie** » Thu Apr 18, 2013 8:40 pm

For what it's worth, I consider HT leads to be consumables & i've been through at least 2 sets in my 110k miles. Well worth replacing & I suspect the S1 VVC will require a set of 4(?) (unlike the s2 which has 2 plug top coils and 2 secondary leads).

Don't mind popping over to Partick on Saturday if you need a hand

robin · Post by **robin** » Thu Apr 18, 2013 11:07 pm

If you've got the plug cover off and you can pull the lead off without jumbling them up (they are different lengths, so should be possible to work out which is which after the fact), I would be inclined to leave them like that for a while.

You could go and get a water dispersant from Halfords and spray in liberally - somebody in Halfords will tell you what to buy if you explain you have water on your HT lead/plug tops. Also well worth cleaning out any rust in the lead ends - you'll probably find that the same product squirted into the lead end and something like a small tooth brush could be employed to clean out the lead ends.

Cheers,
Robin

woody · Post by **woody** » Fri Apr 19, 2013 12:00 am

I'll be in Partick/Hillhead on Sunday, and maybe Saturday afternoon as well, should be able to have a look at it then.

sendmyusername · Post by **sendmyusername** » Fri Apr 19, 2013 7:19 pm

I may not have been much help, but once you've found out what was wrong, could you post it on the end of this thread, so that when it happens to me, I know what to look for.
Cheers.

puffin · Post by **puffin** » Fri Apr 19, 2013 7:57 pm

Thanks for all the help. I'm going to leave the cover and leads off for a few days then try again once it's all been cleaned up. I don't need the car next week anyway so I can afford to wait a few days before getting the professionals involved!

robin · Post by **robin** » Fri Apr 19, 2013 9:24 pm

I'm sure Woody or Weegie can get it running - it's not like they haven't had their own fair share of Elise disasters over the years

If they're offering to help, take them up on it - that's what SE is good for!

steve_weegie · Post by **steve_weegie** » Fri Apr 19, 2013 11:25 pm

robin wrote:I'm sure Woody or Weegie can get it running - it's not like they haven't had their own fair share of Elise disasters over the years If they're offering to help, take them up on it - that's what SE is good for!

Aww, kind words Robin

I hear Woody got quite good at doing head gaskets

Scottish Elises

It's back but now misfiring (Was: Won't start)

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