Cutting out

Post by **Bellissimmo** » Sun May 17, 2009 3:23 pm

Hi,

I've just bought my daughter a Minor and she's having a problem with it. After she has driven for a while (20-30 miles) the car either loses power or cuts out all together. So far, every time this has happened, it has restarted OK after a few minutes. This also happened to me when I picked the car up. I drove about 60 miles and stopped for a toll - after I had paid, I pulled away to find the car had no power (20mph at most). I decided to limp to a layby but by the time I had driven less than a mile, it had picked up and was running fine. Any ideas/suggestions gratefully received.

Steve

Post by **mike.perry** » Sun May 17, 2009 6:16 pm

It sounds like fuel pump problems. Switch the ignition on and listen for the fuel pump ticking. If it doesn't tick give it a gentle tap with the starting handle or a hammer. If it starts clicking carry on, keeping the starting handle available!
Alternatively it could be the coil or condenser which can develop intermittent faults before they fail completely. Replace one at a time.
Other things to check are connections to the coil and distributor, loose HT leads, cracked dist. cap, dirt in the petrol if it is old petrol,
Had another thought. Try removing the petrol cap. If there is a hiss of air into the tank then the vent hole in the cap is blocked.

Sun May 17, 2009 6:17 pm

could it be a problem with the coil breaking down? I seem to recall that they can very hot and stop working, you leave it a few minutes it cools off and starts working again.

Have you changed the condensor recently might be worth changing if you have not?

Post by **Bellissimmo** » Sun May 17, 2009 7:20 pm

Thanks Gents,

Plenty to try there, although the fuel pump looks brand new so I'd be suprised (but not shocked

) if its that.

Steve

Post by **PSL184** » Sun May 17, 2009 7:37 pm

The previous owners may have changed it then thinking that was the problem I'd go for coil and condenser next ;-)

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sun May 17, 2009 9:36 pm

Probably vacuum in the fuel tank - but ignition component problem is possible too. In colder weather I would also suggest carb icing - it could still be that I suppose if there is high humidity. Make sure the inlet trumpet on the air filter (if it's not fallen off) is aimed directly at the exhaust manifold!