Don't let me look like an idiot!

[dozydavenport]

Hi there,
Going to help my girlfriends sisters bloke look over his mg zr tomorrow, I have some mechanical knowledge and was just wondering if anyone knew before I went what the problem was, the battery isn't flat and has been checked, not sure if it cranks but definitely won't start! I was thinking fuel pump? He wouldn't know if it was priming or not, that's my only thought, anything else it could be?
Cheers!

[markmullen]

Flux capacitor, probably not getting 1.21 gigawatts

[VWDaz86]

assuming its k series engine:
check for a spark, if there is none but its getting fuel, its more than likely to be the crank sensor. (look onto gearbox/flywheel at back of engine while leaning in from the drivers side and you will see it)

[mybrainhurts]

He's run out of fuel.

[Steffan]

The obvious failures for non cranking are battery, solenoid, stater motor or electrical hang up in any of the immobilisers etc on modern cars. I really think a vehicle electrician or experienced roadside mechanic is your best bet.

With modern car engines and complex electrical systems the guessing game is pretty pointless. A suitably trained engineer with the appropriate laptop and software can plug it in and diagnose most faults within minutes. Is no one in the AA or RAC etc?

Good Luck.

[maxdb]

dozydavenport said:

was just wondering if anyone knew before I went what the problem was

It's an MG.

Sorry :$

[Baz Tench]

I would go with crank sensor too

[dozydavenport]

Thanks guys, will let him know, I'm sorry for being an idiot,
Honestly thank you so much for the help

[motco]

Do they have cambelts?

[Steffan]

motco said:

Do they have cambelts?

They do.

[falkster]

Throttle position sensor? Easy cheap fix for trial and error.

[RikZR]

maxdb said:

It's an MG.

Sorry :$

MG jokes are getting a tad old now...

[s p a c e m a n]

Head gasket.







/runs

[HustleRussell]

You're not sure if it cranks? Schoolboy error, that's question the first. Question the second is does it have any fuel in it? If it cranks but won't start, proceed with diagnosis as above. The engine needs air, fuel, spark and compression to run and it all needs to work in perfect synchrony.

[HustleRussell]

Also how was the battery 'tested'?

[dozydavenport]

Well guys, I'm not entirely sure...
The bloke is a bit of a thicko(worse than me) ill have a quick look today, just check the things that have been mentioned, first of all check if it cranks!!

[Dog Star]

Check the fuel filter (back seat, passenger side, remove plate and withdraw) hasn't come apart.

Text book reason for engine turning over and car not starting in Rovers. Did one myself about a month ago. Cost to fix: zero.