V6 12v starting issues - sorted at last!!
Posted: Sat Mar 08, 2014 7:13 pm
Hi All,
I am having a rather a frustrating time with my 1989 V6, which ran happily enough at acquisition, although a few weeks later after sitting out in cold and damp weather there were starting issues and it has not been possible to get her going since, despite very considerable efforts!
In essence the engine turns over well, there is a reasonable spark and plenty of fuel with the plugs getting wet, but only the very slightest splutter of ignition and no real firing. I think I have done all the obvious checks, including replacement of various components with known good parts from another car and here is a brief summary:
- cleaned distributor contacts and all engine bay earths
- changed ignition coil and module and ecu and various relays (petrol pump, oxygen sensors etc.)
- cleaned sparking plug lead contacts and checked plugs
- checked flow of petrol to injector rails
- changed petrol pump
- checked and cleaned connections of various engine sensors and injectors
Interestingly on my other running car it is possible to disconnect pretty much everything electrical including all the accessible sensors and the only things that actually prevent starting (apart from the obvious coil, module and ecu) are the two relays mentioned above and earth wires of course.
It may or may not be significant that the car had a single point gas kit fitted albeit no longer in use and everything is now completely stripped off. All the gas components were connected in parallel/spiced in and fortunately removable without damage, including wiring to the ignition coil and oxygen sensors and another loom against the injectors.
I have spoken with Paul (Citroen XM) who helpfully offered some pointers, but still no joy, hence I thought I should make this wider appeal for assistance. Please do let me know if you have any bright ideas that would be most welcome!!
With thanks and regards,
Matthew T.
I am having a rather a frustrating time with my 1989 V6, which ran happily enough at acquisition, although a few weeks later after sitting out in cold and damp weather there were starting issues and it has not been possible to get her going since, despite very considerable efforts!
In essence the engine turns over well, there is a reasonable spark and plenty of fuel with the plugs getting wet, but only the very slightest splutter of ignition and no real firing. I think I have done all the obvious checks, including replacement of various components with known good parts from another car and here is a brief summary:
- cleaned distributor contacts and all engine bay earths
- changed ignition coil and module and ecu and various relays (petrol pump, oxygen sensors etc.)
- cleaned sparking plug lead contacts and checked plugs
- checked flow of petrol to injector rails
- changed petrol pump
- checked and cleaned connections of various engine sensors and injectors
Interestingly on my other running car it is possible to disconnect pretty much everything electrical including all the accessible sensors and the only things that actually prevent starting (apart from the obvious coil, module and ecu) are the two relays mentioned above and earth wires of course.
It may or may not be significant that the car had a single point gas kit fitted albeit no longer in use and everything is now completely stripped off. All the gas components were connected in parallel/spiced in and fortunately removable without damage, including wiring to the ignition coil and oxygen sensors and another loom against the injectors.
I have spoken with Paul (Citroen XM) who helpfully offered some pointers, but still no joy, hence I thought I should make this wider appeal for assistance. Please do let me know if you have any bright ideas that would be most welcome!!
With thanks and regards,
Matthew T.