Question Most liked posts in thread: Mini Woes - Chasing No Start Issue

Thanks everyone, I went ahead and got an alternator from a junkyard. Since the price was only $40 I was willing to take a chance. Especially if I can break my current one loose on the bench and have a backup. I really discount my time, will have nobody to blame but myself if this one goes bad and have to do this over again.

Got the tensioner Dave posted, went through amazon.smile to support a local group too .

Figured since I cut off the $20 belt I might as well add a $200 supercharger pulley kit that comes with a new belt, #MINILogic. Got it from Way Motor Works, I got the puller too so if anyone in Central Ohio wants to borrow that, just let me know.

This breakdown got expensive quick. If only I had better diagnostic skills.

 

UPDATE!!!! I have narrowed down the issue! I cut the serpentine belt off (didn't want to wait for tool) and she turned right over and started up!

I was in my work clothes so I couldn't get under her and check out which pulley is seized but at least I know it's not the engine!

But at this point I can't decide what I am hoping for, alternator? A/C compressor? Really hoping it is not the supercharger...

Thank you for all your help, keep this in mind for the future. Still not sure how it didn't blow a fuse and let my first starter get burnt up.

Motor On!

-HC

 

I'll give that a shot tonight Dave!

Other things I have checked:
1. Checked ECU compartment and blew out with air, wasn't bad at all, no moisture or anything
2. Double checked all wires connecting fuse blocks inside and underhood
3. Waved key in front of ignition and made car "ding" so key is still programmed to car

Things I know are wrong but shouldn't be causing this issue:
1. Leaking rear main seal
2. Bad low rad fan relay

Things that led me to believe a pulley is seized:
1. Electrical burning smell, over exerted on smaller gauge wires
2. Battery dies with very few turnovers, use up all CCAs to turn a hard pulley

I appreciate the ideas everyone, I just need more time to be turning wrenches, been slow going here.

 

We have ourselves a winner, well technically I'm the loser. The only pulley that won't turn is the alternator!

All the other pulleys turn by hand, I even tried using the old belt to turn the pulley and got no where, couldn't break it loose. Now I need to take it off and see if I can break it free on the bench. Or I'll be in the market for a new alternator.

In fact this might be a good time to pop on a new SC pulley and tensioner..... As if I haven't spent enough money already.

Thanks for your help everyone, this one had me scratching my head! Hopefully someone in the future might find this handy. Guess now I know I can't ignore her for a few weeks, gotta drive her all the time.

Motor on!
-HC

 

She still rolls with the clutch in, will be testing the supercharger pulley once I get this dang belt off and can report back.

Appreciate the help!

 

I cleaned and tightened ground straps at battery and by the hydraulic engine mount, still got nothing. Not sure if I am missing one somewhere, those are the main ones I have found

 

This is the most fun I've had with my pants on

Fluids are good, checked oil (looked clean, still amber-ish from oil change before she quit), brake fluid is still full so no leaking slave cylinder, PS and coolant both good. No transmission fluid leaks.

Plugs looked used but not burnt up in the slightest, I pulled all 4 to be safe.

I haven't pulled valve cover yet, good idea there, maybe I should dump oil anyway to see if there are any parts floating around in it.

Will have to crank over engine, looks like a 15mm socket on engine pulley? (Will remove plug wires for safety)

Hard to test starter when I'm a one man show, will have to have some buddies over to turn the key.

Thanks for the ideas!