Mi16 Starting Problems.

[davemar 16]

I've got an Mi16 engine running the 8v setup, and it's always started on the button, no problems for years.

A few days ago the distributor decided to disintegrate, obviously stopping the thing from working properly. Fortunately I had a spare one, so fitted that and it seemed to run fine. But now it really has trouble starting. The starter motor will turn strongly, but the engine just doesn't fire up. I'll pop the bonnet, wiggle a few things,

and it will usually start. I will then drive pretty normally, if a little bit lumpily at low speeds.

 

Could a flakey distributor stop the car from starting, or should I be hunting down a loose connection somewhere else?

[ada205 2]

Hiya mate. Think you posted on my thread yesterday, now i'm returning the favour!

 

When my dizzy went belly up the first time, i had exactly the same problem as you. The car was a 100% first flick starter, but when the new dizzy went on, i had trouble starting, and a miss around 2000rpm that was worse when cold, and was not present before the new dizzy. My problem turned out to be timing, despite the new dizzy being fitted and timed up by a qualified mechanic. I suspected this cus the car would often fire just as you let go of the key when turning over, and would some times run on slightly when you turned the ignition off. Dont know if thats a symptom of advanced or retarded timing, but sure someone will put me right on this. The problem was cured once timed by another mechanic, and performance was also massively improved.

 

As you've fitted an old dizzy, it may be knackered, and it's definately worth checking/changing the cap, arm and the wire that comes from the dizzy housing's, as i had one of these go on a 1.6 i had a few years back that caused total failure to start. Also ignition amp and coil worth a look. Have you checked for a spark when it's refusing to start? and was the timing checked when the latest dizzy went on?

 

As everything was ok before, with the old dizzy obviously imploding, my money's on ignition timing being slightly out after the new dizzy's been fitted.

 

Good luck mate.

Edited May 3, 2006 by ada205

[davemar 16]

We seem to suffering the same problems! At least we appear to be getting to the bottom of them.

 

I'll certainly try altering the angle it is fitted to adjust the timing. I do vaguely remember ages ago fitting a distributor accidently at a different angle to when I removed it and the thing not starting. I suppose they do vary slightly and can benefit from a slight tweak.

 

I've got a new arm, the old cap seems not too bad. I've also checked the coil connector that comes off it and that appears to be OK, and have cleaned that up just in case.

 

I'll also try that tip on the other thread of sticking a washer between the spacer and the distributor to prevent this one ending up as swarf. Though the last distributor did last a few years and a few 10,000 miles, so it can't have been too badly out.

[Martin@PRD 0]

Another thing to check is the cable form distributor to ignition amplifier, this splits and corrodes over time which only needs vibrations to course more problems if the shielding it broken this can be interfered with RF signals which can then confuse signal output, though the best solution is to use the Motronic loom and Ecu then using the standard ignition.

 

The reason the distributor converter was made is to purely make money and are only £23 to make with a CNC machine, though over the years people have realised how easy and straightforward it is to convert to Motronic (Thank you 205gtidrivers)

[davemar 16]

I gave the cable from the distributor to the amplifier a check over and it appeared a little worn but still intact, maybe I should go over it again. It certainly appeared to be OK with a multimeter. Is this connector and cable available as a seperate item from Peugeot?

 

I tried altering the timing a little by rotating the dizzy back a bit. While it started first time after doing this, it still ended up running pretty jerkily and then had trouble starting later.

 

I keep planning on going over to Motronic, but still need to source some parts, particularly the ECU connector. I've at least got an Mi16 flywheel with the timing teeth on it fitted.

[ada205 2]

I gave the cable from the distributor to the amplifier a check over and it appeared a little worn but still intact, maybe I should go over it again. It certainly appeared to be OK with a multimeter. Is this connector and cable available as a seperate item from Peugeot?

 

I tried altering the timing a little by rotating the dizzy back a bit. While it started first time after doing this, it still ended up running pretty jerkily and then had trouble starting later.

 

I keep planning on going over to Motronic, but still need to source some parts, particularly the ECU connector. I've at least got an Mi16 flywheel with the timing teeth on it fitted.

Hi again mate. See your still fighting the battle, likewise here!

 

The cable your after is the LT cable, and is available seperately. These become brittle with age and can crack, especially where they bend after coming off the dizzy. This wire is also sheilded, so any breaks/cracks can cause cross interference, causing havoc with the ignition. Maybe yours didnt like being disturbed with all the action you've had in that area lately. I needed one a few years back, and cost me £20 from autofive. Heres a link to them http://www.autofive.co.uk/home.htm

Think their around £25 now, just look in electrics on Autofives site. Dont know if this part is available from dealers, and it's a lottery with Peugeot as to it being reasonably priced, or remorgage your house sort of price!! Always fun going to the dealer for something you aint been for before!

 

Finally, i may be able to help you out in a few weeks if your after parts to put yours to Motronic, as I've just brought a complete Mi lump with complete injection system including loom and ecu. I dont need any of the injection system except maybe the injectors, so i may have this stuff to clear soon.

[davemar 16]

£25 is pretty pricey for a short piece of cable, so I really want to make sure it is that which is the problem.

 

I decided to dismantle the ignition side of things last night, removing the coil, amplifier and so on, just in case there was anything awry there. I didn't spot anything, and put it all back. But it still didn't like starting. I connected my timing strobe to the HT leads and it flashed away when cranking the engine, so it does appear a spark is getting through. Maybe the timing just needs further adjustment, possibly in the opposite direction to what I have just tried.

 

Unless I've been thrown a red-herring and it's the fueling side of things that is playing up, but that just doesn't feel right.

 

I might be interested in the ECU end of the loom in a few weeks, I'll see how much spare time I'll have for fiddling then!