Clio wouldn't start

[Wobba]

Just an FYI for some of you out there.

After my M5 got written off last week I had to press gang the Williams into service. But Lo! It wouldn't start at all, even though I drove it the week before...

Why?

After pissing about a bit with my non standard setup, checked the plugs



These are what we call 'fouled' plugs. Massive carbon build-up causes a 'no spark' situation.

Temporary fix is to swap them for new ones, but the source of the issue will remain.

In this case it is likely to be over fuelling or a poor burn of the fuel going in, or both. This is caused by either a MAP designed to overfuel to reduce the chance of detonation or because a sensor is misreading. It could be leaking injectors as well, but all four is extremely unlikely!

In my case I suspect a slightly overfuelling map (often done on a slight level to minimise risk of det.) and a coolant temp. sensor issue. Maybe not the sensor itself but the wiring possibly.

Anyway...schooling over for today kids.

[Coops]

what happened to the m5?! you okay like chap?!

[andreas395]

Yeah what happend mate who did the beast get written off ???

[northy]

sorry to hear about the M5 - any pictures???

[Wobba]

I had mild concussion and some stiffness/aches, and was a bit shaken up.

Car hit a plane of water as I accelerated up a hill on the M3 motorway, in a straight line. Only did about 70MPH and I was at the back of a convoy of commuters. I had a TYRECONTROL INACTIVE error on the way up to work, which is a failure of the DSC system, so when I extremely unluckily hit the water near the bottom of the hill it aquaplaned the rear out as if I was on ice. There was no way I could save it unless I was expecting it to happen.

[northy]

no idea what those features are wobba - im used to clios remember. No driver aids other than ABS lol.

Thats a mess - shame looked a clean car.

[willy3ams]

Just an FYI for some of you out there.

After my M5 got written off last week I had to press gang the Williams into service. But Lo! It wouldn't start at all, even though I drove it the week before...

Why?

After pissing about a bit with my non standard setup, checked the plugs



These are what we call 'fouled' plugs. Massive carbon build-up causes a 'no spark' situation.

Temporary fix is to swap them for new ones, but the source of the issue will remain.

In this case it is likely to be over fuelling or a poor burn of the fuel going in, or both. This is caused by either a MAP designed to overfuel to reduce the chance of detonation or because a sensor is misreading. It could be leaking injectors as well, but all four is extremely unlikely!

In my case I suspect a slightly overfuelling map (often done on a slight level to minimise risk of det.) and a coolant temp. sensor issue. Maybe not the sensor itself but the wiring possibly.

Anyway...schooling over for today kids.

Hi Wobba,
because my Williams rarely goes out for a proper run in over 5 years i too noticed a misfire even after a few years stood and every 6 weeks i'd turn the car over.
My old RT started doing the same thing noticing fouling plugs. Then i read this link.
http://www.mobiloil.com/USA-English/...ine_Heath.aspx

"Carbon Fouled: If your plug tip and side electrode are blackened, they have been running with too much fuel (or possibly too cool from a stuck-open thermostat). Other sources of the problem may include bad wiring, leaking injectors, or in some cases the vehicle has been driven at too slow a speed for extended periods of time. The combustion process is not being allowed to have its natural burning-off, or cleaning, effect."

Basically because i'd not driven the car for so long carbon and fuel can run rich and foul the plugs. There's no burning off and cleaning effect.
My advice is like me change the plugs for standard NGK plugs and drive it - give it a good run and see how the plugs look then. I think theres nothing wrong with your engine mate.

[Coops]

no idea what those features are wobba - im used to clios remember. No driver aids other than ABS lol.

Thats a mess - shame looked a clean car.

you massive girl, ABS my arse, I've not even got power steering ;)