Engine cut out then problem starting

[Timja]

On way back from TVR meet today, came off A1 and slowed for traffic lights at end of exit slip road. The engine just cut out while i slowed down as the revs dropped off.

Car would then fire when i turned the key, but just once then engine die again.

Tried several times and no luck. Then undid petrol cap, put it back on and pressed imobiliser button again to prime fuel and it started again. Not sure if this related to either removing fuel cap or priming. Then a minute later it was running quite rough and spluttering a bit, so pulled over and had another look under bonnet. Could not see anything obvious and started running better so carried on home and ran fine for the 10 min journey back.

Any ideas what problem may be? Anyone had similar happen? Fuel supply issue of some sort?

[Hockley tvr]

Hey think ive had the same thing on my 400! it happened twice, once on the way home when i first got it, it died coming up my road would not start again straight away then left for a little while and run ok. It also happend the other day giving my friend a lift it ran real lumpy then cut out, he is into old minis and says he has it in his, something about the fuel line getting hot making the fuel vapourise? im not sure though, maybe its crap fuel?(under 98oct) since the other day ive filled up with shell v power and added fuel cleaner seems much better, fingers crossed! good luck with yours

[miniman]

I would check the fuel pump relays - they're the 2 identical relays that hang out of the sides of the big cable that runs into the ECU in the passenger footwell. I've had this a few times - if you try to restart without turning the ignition right off, it won't restart. If you leave the ignition off for long enough for the main relay to click out, it will restart (at least, it does for me). Recommendation seems to be to swap the relays over for a temporary fix, and then to replace them.

[GreenV8S]

Yes, those symptoms do fit a failing fuel pump relay.

[Timja]

Thanks, Was running on V-Power and had only been driving for about 20 mins, reasonably fast but would not think heat was an issue as often do much longer fast runs with no probs.

Will keep an eye on it. Have done nearly another 100 miles since and not had any problems at all so will see if it does it again then i'll at least know to try having a look at the relays.

Thanks again.

[GreenV8S]

Going after 20 mins or so is an absolutely classic symptom of a relay on the way out.

[Timja]

Ahh, ok. Guess they are pretty cheap so may be worth changing then as a precaution - Was a bit of a pain, although was pleased that i didn't get any TVR reliability jibes from any passing motorists