It's an 02 S with only 21K miles on it. A real nice MINI, ment to be a Life-time keeper.

It will crank but it want start. I'm pretty sure that's it's getting a spark to the plugs. But I don't know how to check to see if it's getting fuel to the cylinders.

What would be suspectable on an 02 S (May build) That will crank over but just won't start. I'm confident that it's not bad gas 'cause the last time I drove it, it ran like a Ferrari for 300 miles. I cleaned it up, put it away, came back a month later to take it out for some exercise and damn!...It won't fire-up.

I hate the thought of having my MINI towed 50 miles to the dealership just to pay-thru-the-nose 'cause it just WON'T START!!! But If that's what it"ll take, than my BABY is well worth it!!!

 

possibly a charging system issue. it's the simplest route to start with.

 

No, It's got a new battery (2 months old) and when I try to start it, there's plenty cranking power, there's also a spark to the plugs.

I need help in troubleshooting the fuel system. How do I find out if it's getting fuel to the cylinders.

 

Here's a list of independent shops that work on MINIs that may be an alternative to that 50 mile tow to the dealer.

 

Thanks Buzzsaw! But that fifty mile tow is about the shortest option I've got.

Should have gotten The AAA memebership that I thought about for the LAST 5 1/2 YEARS since I bought this MINI! I'll call my insurance company and see what they'll pay, if any. And I've got a couple of buddies that might feel up to the challange!

Still would like to know if the cylinders are getting any fuel! If they are than maybe it broke the timing belt. I can't remember if it tried to fire for a millisecond the 1st time it would'nt start. When I'm expecting the car to start, than I'm not paying attention to that millisecond hint.

 

Did a little research and found this link that parallels your situation. Good luck.

 

Thanks for your help Buzzsaw, but the further I dig into this, the more I'm beginning to think that this problem is beyond my capabilities.

I think I'll try listening for that fuel pump whine with someone else turning the engine over. Replace the fuel pump relay if there is no pump whine. Check for bad wires etc. But again the 20A pump fuse is good.

I'll call the dealership tommorrow and see what they would want to come get it.

 

i would start by checking to see if you have a bad fuel pump. rip out the back seat and listen for the fuel pump priming while someone turns the key to the on position or maybe you can do it yourself if you have really long arms lol.
edit: obviously if u don't hear anything, you probably need a fuel pump

 

Can you hear the fuel pump priming when you turn the key on? I can hear mine inside the car with the doors closed and windows up. You could always take off the intercooler and unplug an injector, hold it in a bucket,have someone turn the car over and see if gas shoots out.

 

Well!!! It was the fuel-pump! I can't beleave it. Only 21K and the fuel pump quits, and after a 300 mile round trip! why did'nt it quit during the trip? Thank goodness it did'nt but why not untill a month latter when I want to drive it again? Could it be lack of use? The tech guy called it a total failure, got nothing out of it when he tried to hot wire it with a battery.

But what really hurt......That $730 repair bill! OUCH! I should have fixed it myself and the next time I will! I got the old (bad) pump but I have'nt torn into it yet. A lot of you probably already know that the original pump has a VW & Audi emblem on it. I should'nt complain, a buddy of mine paid $780 for a 99 cavalier fuel pump replacement and that was over 2 yrs ago!

I want to thank all of you for trying to help and most were spot-on with it being the fuel pump.

I especially want to thank my friend Ed (not a forum member) 'cause he pulled some strings and got the MINI towed for free! Saved me $150.

I got my BABY back and running, now all is well!!!

 

Great news I have heard that when storing the MINI for any period of time to keep the tank topped off. Not only does it prevent moisture build up, but for some reason it helps the pump/seals from failing.

In the future, if fuel system is suspect, just pull a plug(s) and check to see if they have / smell gas on them......

If they are dry......no fuel is reaching where it should.

Your MINI sounds nice. Good luck.

Dave