Starting issue

Discussion and technical advice for 84-89 AW10 & AW11 MR2. 3A-LU, 4A-GE, 4A-GZE.

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Hoylake_AW11
Posts: 24
Joined: Sat Jun 16, 2012 3:26 pm

Starting issue

Post by Hoylake_AW11 »

Hi all

I have an issue with my AW11 which is very difficult to start. The battery seems ok and is turning the engine over well enough, but it is not really even attempting to fire now. I did charge the battery at the weekend just in case and it started at the absolute first turn of the key - but i had also cleaned up the rotor arm, dizzy cap, leads (all of the parts were new 3000 miles ago), as well as cleaned all contacts that i could find including the earth cable from the engine to body but now there's nothing. I suspected the damp may have been an issue but after cleaning everything it seems maybe not.

Any suggestions as to where to look? Do the coil ignitor packs generally cause issues? Any other suggestions?

Cheers
Jimbo_Jet
Posts: 554
Joined: Wed Jul 13, 2005 12:57 pm

Re: Starting issue

Post by Jimbo_Jet »

I've had that problem this year, especially after periods of heavy rain. So suspecting damp every time the problem has occurred I sprayed WD40 over my leads, distributer and coil pack and it starts every time.

When the problem reoccurs I've tried spraying just one of the above and starting the engine to locate the issue and I now believe it's likely my spark plug leads.

Might be worth a try to rule out damp as an issue?
MartG
Posts: 6029
Joined: Thu Apr 07, 2005 2:19 pm
Location: Poulton le Fylde, Blackpool
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Re: Starting issue

Post by MartG »

Check the temp sensor for the cold start injector system - if it's failed then you won't be getting the extra fuel in to start it
Hoylake_AW11
Posts: 24
Joined: Sat Jun 16, 2012 3:26 pm

Re: Starting issue

Post by Hoylake_AW11 »

Hi guys

Well i have just managed to fix the issue before the light failed.

It turned out to be as simple as the spring loaded central post in the distributor cap was jammed down and so not giving a proper contact to the rotor arm. I fitted a new cap anyway and will have a go at freeing up the original one tomorrow when i have some light.

Cheers all
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