Mk1 wont start :(

[rzacasperof]

Hi bit of a problem this morning, turned my mk1 sportline over and it started up as normal bit only for a second before I heard a small pop and it cut out.  Now it won't fire up, it turns over but thats about it.  Have checked the spark plugs and there all sparking so dont think it's that,  I know it's one of these could be anything problems but where should I look next as I dont want to take half the engine out if can be avoided.

Cheers
Rich

[gibby]

Where did the pop come from ? Is the fuel pump priming ? To check this switch off the car and when you switch the ignition on check for a wurrrrr sound in front of the back wheels, drivers side, if you hear it, it's ok, if you don't then it may be your fuel pump that's not priming so that will probably be the fuel relay. Common problem. I always say this, but check the fuel relay, I think it's the top left large one on the fuse box. Pull the relay out and check the connections and sandpaper them if necessary. Pound to a penny that your fuse box will have started to melt where this relay sits too.

[rzacasperof]

Unbeleivable!!  how on earth did you know it would be that??  Absolutely spot on.  As you said fuel pump wasnt whiring and the relay and fuse box is burnt.  Only thing is a new one is £40!!  still small price to pay to get her back up and running.  Part comes tomorrow so hopefully all will be well after replacing, i'll let you know.  Thanks Gibby!!!

[foxy mk1]

soory 2 pinch your thead man,
just wanted 2 ask gibby sumting, my pump doesnt prime, it wurrs after you try and start it

it does run but doesnt prime thnx

[gibby]

rzacasperof no worries, you're welcome. I wish I knew because I was a mechanical genius, but the real and only reason I know this is because it happened to me on a couple of occassions and I ended up paying out for a couple of fuel relays and in the end I just replaced the whole fusebox. Relays should be about £12 from GSF and if you spent £40 on a fuse box that's a good deal as I think I paid more than that. From now on I would either buy a spare relay to keep in your car and/or just put some sandpaper in the boot so you can do the connections if you have problems again.

Foxy, sorry matey don't know what your issue might be, but have you checked the fuel relay, I'd pull it out and sandpaper the connections as my first port of call. The priming noise is not necessarily true though on all mk1s and you may have a fuel pump that you can't hear but it has primed ok.

[rzacasperof]

I mean I paid £40 for a new relay, direct from dealer.  So will this keep happening until I replace the fuse box?

[gibby]

GSF do the relays for about £12, but genuine is good. The simple answer is yes it probably will keep happening, it happened to me a few times as the plastic of the fuse box gets hot and then melts onto the connections of the relay so they get full of crap. Go for a good run and then feel the fuse box after, it does get quite warm. You may be ok as long as you keep the connections of the relay clean but if you plan on keeping the motor for sometime then I would suggest putting a new fuse box in.

Did you try sandpapering the old relay connections first and then trying to fire her up ?

[rzacasperof]

Unfortunately I damaged the old relay when removing as it was melted / stuck to the fuse box plastic,was as careful as I could be but it was one of those times when you just know it's gonna break no matter how careful you try to be.  But looking at the old relay I see what you mean though all the connector is covered in melted plastic so it may have worked after a clean up.  The box looks Ok tho, well at least on the face of it, some slight burning.  I'll look to replace it when I get paid, just forked out for a new hood and carpet this month and then this happens today!  Typical eh, gotta love them tho! You think things will hold up for a week or two?  I'm guessing this sort of thing is more than likely to happen after a long run?

You mention GSF, are these the guys your reffering to?  www.gsfcarparts.com

[gibby]

Yeah sorry, gsf is German Swedish and French car parts so yeah, www.gsfcarparts.com. The fuse box will probably last a lot longer than a couple of weeks and even longer, just look to get it done eventually.

[M41K1T]

I'm having same prob with mine  , every time i go to start car the fuel pump fuse blows, does the fuel pump also have a relay? if so in which relay slot should it be in?

Cheers