misfire, flat spot, new airflow meter, now won't start

[MalkyD]

I have a 1995 Mk3 2.0 8v and am in the process of selling it.  It started to misfire very infrequently but this has become worse over time.  Then developed a flat spot and poor idling.
Took it to a garage who said they could diagnose the problem and they came back with airflow meter for the flat spot and plugs or leads for the misfire and an offer to fix it for me for £200.
Got a new airflow meter today and fitted it tonight, car turned over for about 1 second and now will not start.  There is the sound of four clicks and an electrical buzz like a relay trying to fire, that comes from inside the engine bay.  Other than that no result.
New to this forum, but have spent time searching to find a solution, and there are lots of good posts which come close but don't mention my starting problem.
I've got someone coming to see the car on Wednesday at my work, but she just willnae fire up.
Any suggestions greatly appreciated.

[rubjonny]

remove & clean up all the battery, starter & alternator wires, then get a mate to give you a jump start.  If it still wont turn over, put the car in 3rd gear & riock it back & forward & try again.  Ifd it STILL wont work, try running a wire direct from the +v3 terminal on the battery to the red/black wire on the starter.

If it still wont turn over the starter is dead!

[MalkyD]

Thanks rubjonny.  In the process of trying your suggestions.  Will give an update soon.

[MalkyD]

Looks like the starter is goosed. :sick:  Worth second hand or better to buy new?  Also looks like it's on with the engine mount, any tips for getting it off, on your own with limited tools?

[Mark_H]

hi,

If the starter motor is knackered then it's not that bad to change. I've just fitted mine back on. I have a MK3 2.0L 8v P reg.

As long as you support the engine you should be OK. I think there are three bolts/studs that on the starter on. tow bolts through the engine mount the other is at the bolt of the starter.
I think the two long bolts that hold the engine mount are 17mm heads but mine also had a 13mm nut that held on a loom cover at the top and a PAS bracket at the bottom.

What makes you think it's knackered, sounds to me like the battery is flat maybe a jump start or charging the battery might be enough. !!!


Mark

[MalkyD]

Car's got a new battery and I jumped it off another car.
It could just be the starter solenoid because it's just not giving any noise.
I think the clicks I hear are the ECU priming the start sequence and timing out when it doesn't get a positive response.

[MalkyD]

Need to update my small saga.
I changed the starter motor and the car fired up no bother.  The New airflow meter means it doesn't have a flat spot but the missing is still there.
Today I removed the  throttle body and thoroughly cleaned it, changed the dizzy cap and rotor arm and cleared all the pipes attached to the tb and have greatly improved the performance of the car,....................... apart from the missfire. :sick:  It feels smoother and more responsive but, missfires all the time.  A friend wants to buy the car but I can't sell it to him like this.

Does anyone have any electrical checking information that would help me narrow down this problem or do they know of a reputable tuning shop in and around Aberdeen that could give me some advice? 

[monkeyalan]

have you changed the ecu and fuel pump relays? if not do it. it's always worth a try for @ £25.
sorted my flat spots and hesitation out a treat.

[MalkyD]

Worth a try.  I'll do that Monday and post the update.
Cheers

[MalkyD]

 
Bought the relays and fitted them.  A waste of another £30.  I'm now leaning towards fuel system to resolve this, but would that show up in a diagnostic check?
Should I spend any more of my hard earned dosh taking it to a dealer or has a tuning expert got a better chance of pinpointing the problem?
Blinking car!  I only want to sell the thing and at the moment I'm going to have spent more money fixing it than I'm going to get for it.
Looking for any good advice and sympathy, or cash donations for disabled motors.