Engine has difficulty turning over and there is no power in order to drive it

CKMAC13

MEMBER
2008 MINI CLUBMAN
1.6L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
104,000 MILES

First problem started where the engine won't turn over or start. Guesses were the high pressure fuel pump as an issue. Replaced HPFP with a different/used one and seemed to help a little. Dealership says low compression in all 4 cylinders. Now the engine has difficulty turning over and there's no power in order to drive it. I left it running (sputtering) and after about 10-15 minutes the pressure seemed to build up where it could be driven. Also, the check engine light is on but throwing no codes. I'm wondering if I really need to replace the engine or new HPFP or something else or just get rid of it. I'm the original owner and had it maintained regularly. I"m at a loss on what to do. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,758 POSTS

Welcome to 2CarPros.

Has anyone check the catalytic converter to see if it is plugged? A plugged catalytic converter can cause this type of problem. And yes, low compression can do it as well. Take a look through these links. They explain the symptoms of a bad catalytic converter, how to test one, and in general how one is replaced.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/bad-catalytic-converter-symptoms

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-a-catalytic-converter

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/catalytic-converter-replacement

_______________________

Also. if you want to check engine compression yourself to confirm what they are saying, here is a link that shows how it's done. If you maintained the engine since it was new, I really find it hard to believe compression is an issue, unless you have a bad head gasket.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-low-compression

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/the-reasons-for-low-compression

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-engine-compression

Pic 1 shows compression specifications. Keep in mind, most parts stores will lend or rent a compression gauge to you.

__________________

Another thing that can cause low power and low compression is a bad head gasket. Doing a compression test can help identify if that is a possible issue. However, here are directions for testing for a bad head gasket:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/head-gasket-blown-test

Let me know if any of this helps. As I mentioned, I really find it hard to believe low compression is an issue because of the mileage and you maintained it since new.

Take care,
Joe

Image (Click to make bigger)