MR2 Owners Club

Hi guys. Point me in the right direction if this topic has come up before.

When I bought my mr2 it was a starter and was driven on the recovery truck without issue. Since getting it home, it's been started up a couple of times to stop things from seizing up.

Upon checking the car over to make my to-do list I discovered that the auxiliary belt had snapped and the alternator was completely seized. This looked like a previous issue and not something that had happened during my ownership.

I have since replaced the alternator and belt and put a gallon of fuel in the tank but now she won't start. She'll turn over but won't fire up.

What am I missing? I'm not hugely mechanical minded so it's probably something simple and obvious. Thanks.

I might be wrong but not sure the alternator/belt is going to stop it from firing - if your starter is working, then maybe start with the basics i.e. spark plugs, HT leads, dizzy/rotor arm (if the car has been sitting for a while you're going to want to replace these things anyway).

That's where I'd start if I were you - the troubleshooting in the mr2 bgb is a good guide as well:

http://mr2.ie/mr2/bgb/mk2/mechanical/ig ... ystem.html

Or he could always could just download the complete BGB from here https://www.mr2oc.co.uk/download-cats/c ... 1-mk2.html or from one of the links on this thread https://www.mr2oc.co.uk/forum/198/80372.html

Thanks guys, I was thinking spark plugs. I've got a copy of the BGB, so I'll consult that.

There's flow charts for fault finding many different problems (including starting) in the BGB.

Just an off chance, and a 5 minute job. My project car wouldn't start, pulled the cold start relay out, cleaned the contacts and refitted. Starts every time now. Contacts must have corroded while sitting around although they didn't look they had.

First up can you hear the fuel pump, got fuel pressure?

Next pull one plug lead and attach a good spark plug and ground it on the engine holding with insulated grips. Have someone crank it and watch for spark.
If no or weak spark check the state of the coil pack and it's bracket. If it has no cracks then try holding dizzy end of king lead near a ground again with insulated grips. If spark there then check dizzy cap and rotor arm.

See how you get on with those tests

Got it started. I think it was a case of a bone dry fuel tank and Mr Impatient here not giving it a chance.

Plugs will be changed any how and she's in desperate need of a service but for now, she lives.

Thanks everyone. This forum is proving invaluable for a first time owner but life time lover of the the MR2.

P.S. Is the there anyone in the South Wales area who knows of, or can recommend an MR2 specialist for the future.