Just entered 'mini' world and already have a problem

Discussion in 'Starting Line - New Member Introductions' started by smhughey, Nov 14, 2017.

  1. smhughey

    smhughey New Member

    Nov 14, 2017
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    Greetings,

    I own an 2010 Clubman with 96,000 miles on the clock. About a week ago my Mini started having difficulty starting. It takes 4 or 5, 10-15 seconds tries before it starts. After it is up and running it runs like a champ. When I leave it set overnight, the same problem occurs, several tries to get it started. I receive no dashboard lights or any other warnings as what the problem may be.

    Thoughts?

    thanks,
    steve
     
  2. Metalman

    Metalman Well-Known Member
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    Original battery?
     
  3. Qik

    Qik Well-Known Member

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    Welcome to the MINI world :) 2nd gen is the worst btw. I have one of the "good" ones and I've spent at least 3 grand in repairs in 3 years.
    It's odd that you have no trouble lights, sounds like fuel or spark is delayed. Coils or HPFP would be my first thoughts, though both of these problems will throw a code. Could be as simple as a bad ground or battery. Is it turning over slow? Lots of choices on this one. Also, N14's are junk.
     
  4. Metalman

    Metalman Well-Known Member
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    Not all N14's....

    I haven't had a bit of trouble with my 2009 N14.....:D

    I do change my oil and filter religiously at 5,000 miles and I check the oil and coolant level at least once a week... So far it's been a jewel of an engine...:Thumbsup: YMMV
     
  5. Qik

    Qik Well-Known Member

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    *Most N14's can be junk

    I do the same with my N18 and she's still made me replace the HPFP, thermostat, and coils... F'n B... She is considered a lemon though so..... Glad I haven't had the timing chain issue most N14's have/had though. ((knocks on wood))
     
  6. Zapski

    Zapski Well-Known Member

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    My N14 has been mostly OK, just the usual timing chain issue.

    But this sounds like a battery to me.

    Also, Welcome!
     
  7. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    So its turning over but not starting? It may be a fuel problem. It sounds like its having trouble betting fuel pressure to the rail. Could be a pump or filter. The best way to test it would put a pressure gage on it in the morning and see what the reading is. Some cars, I don't know about the mini, turn the fuel bump on when you turn the key to on for a few seconds to bring the pressure up. You could try putting the key in a few times without starting then try starting it and see if it starts right up.
    Also as been said check the battery mini is picky about power.
     
  8. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    Also it could the beginnings of a carbon build up problem. If you have not had the intake walnut blasted the intake may need to be checked.
     
  9. Crashton

    Crashton Club Coordinator

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    #9 Crashton, Nov 15, 2017
    Last edited: Nov 15, 2017
    Before we send this guy down the rabbit hole what flavor of MINI is this an S or a Justa? The engines are similar, but different in a few key areas. I'd check out the battery especially if it's the original one.

    Steve report back with some more info so we can be more help.

    In the old days all cars started like Steve is describing. My how times have changed.
     
  10. Redbeard

    Redbeard JCW: because fast is fun!
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    Start with the simple/cheap stuff first. Always.

    That being said, check the battery. Sounds like a new one may be in order.
     
  11. Goldsmithy

    Goldsmithy MINI Alliance Ambassador
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    I can't add anything productive to what has already been said BUT---Welcome to M/A, a great site and greater people.
     
  12. Metalman

    Metalman Well-Known Member
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    This guy is very persistent..... NEVER GIVE UP...
    [​IMG]
     
  13. Crashton

    Crashton Club Coordinator

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    Staring anything with a magneto can be a real challenge. Watching that makes my arm ache.
     
  14. Sully

    Sully Administrator
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    Agreed - this sounds like fuel pressure.. but I’m not an N14 expert. Based on your post it only has this issue on initial startup after sitting for a long time, I would start there (or battery)..

    Also - Welcome to MA!:biggrin5:
     
  15. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    Welcome to MINI ownership. I hope you did not by a MINI for reliability or great MPG. :ihih:

    This is your first problem of many more to come. Not kidding, totally true. MINI’s are a labor of love and money to own.

    If you wanted a maintenance free car you should have got a Honda or Toyota.
     
  16. Sully

    Sully Administrator
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    Neither of those are fun to drive.. or have the same community. :beer
     
  17. Zapski

    Zapski Well-Known Member

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    I dunno. I get years between major maintenance on my 08 S. And it’s a daily.
     
  18. Metalman

    Metalman Well-Known Member
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    There is a lot of fake news about the R56.....

    Do regular maintenance and watch the vitals, the R56 is a fine car...

    Buying one used can be a carp shoot... But this applies to any used car...

    It can be an expensive car to repair... Find a good MINI indie if the dealer is too expensive for service...
     
  19. Qik

    Qik Well-Known Member

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    I dunno. I had a CB7 Accord with sport springs and good wheels N tyres. Thing handled on rails. Wasn't AS fast but could carry just as much speed thru the twisties as my MINI, and weighed around the same. Had a bit more body roll but would hold the line just fine. FIT's and Si Civics have insane handling as well. Can't speak on the Yota's.
     
  20. Qik

    Qik Well-Known Member

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    Yes and no. I watch the vitals closely and keep all fluids and lube's full and fresh and all it's really done is kept me ahead of issues as they unfold. Things still seem to go bad sooner than they should. My car has been thru 3 HPFP's before I bought it then another one shortly after I bought it. Was covered under warranty and hasn't been an issue since but still. The thermostat housing cracked and pissed coolant all over, why MINI decided that thing was a good idea is beyond me. 2 sets of coils (in other cars the only time I've worried about spark throwers is when I'm upgrading them). Now the rubber on my water pump pulley is cracking. I've never seen rubber on the contact surface of a pulley in my life. And BMW plastics..... F BMW plastics. If it's plastic and it's on a BM'r, it's gonna shatter VERY prematurely when compared to virtually any other brand. I do love the car and Dave.0 is right, it's a labor of love. But Dayum. :beer
     

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