Spark Plug Change Problems

[Oliver Hardy]

Being a DIY expert and worlds leading mechanic I usually take my cars to the garage to be fixed, but my MR2 started misfiring a little and reading forums was advised it might be spark plugs - so decided to change them myself, how hard can it be?

It wasn't change went easily and I went to start the engine, already congratulating myself on fixing the car, first time ever and the car won't start, doesn't turn over, clicks once and nothing.

So anyone who isn't as brilliant as me help me out and advice me on what might have done wrong?

[Sheepshanks]

Flat battery?

[Jambur]

Leads on in the right order? Properly connected? Normally do one at a time to avoid confusion. Wrong plugs?

[C5_Steve]

I was going to ask if you'd disconnected the battery and forgotten to reconnect it, but you say it clicks...

Nothing you've taken off should stop it cranking so I can't think of what else you might have done. Hopefully someone who knows the layout of the MR2 engine bay can suggest what you've accidentally unplugged, I'm assuming as it's quite cramped it's something you've done my accident!

[finlo]

Plug too long and hitting the top of a piston?

[Oliver Hardy]

Thanks for all the suggestions, but the engine just does not turn over, hear the starter motor click once. The battery is at 70% which I am guessing is sufficient to at least attempt to start, but put it on charge.

[catso]

Another fine mess eh?

Sounds like a flat battery to me, is it just a single click or a click, click, click...?

[Sheepshanks]

finlo said:

Plug too long and hitting the top of a piston?

I did wonder about that but you’d sense some effort to turn the engine over, wouldn’t you?

If it’s not the battery then it might be worth the OP removing the plugs and seeing if the engine will turn over if not absolutely certain that the new plugs were identical to the old ones.

[E-bmw]

Some people are seriously over thinking this!

It is either a flat battery or a lead has come off the battery/engine earth/chassis earth and not back correctly.

How are you saying it is at 70%?

Does the voltage drop when you try to start it?

[Sheepshanks]

It’s unlikely but it’s even possible the starter could have chosen that moment to fail.