Engine will not start?

MEGANSAURUS

MEMBER
2016 MINI COOPER
3 CYL
TURBO
2WD
AUTOMATIC
110,000 MILES

So, a friend owed us a favor so offered to detail my car since she had supposedly done this for a living in the past. Well, she absolutely did not since her method was to just flood my interior and suck it up with a shop vacuum. I didn’t know she was doing this, or I’d have stopped her. I started it, it started fine but then after about a minute it shut off. Now it will turn over but doesn’t start. It has gas, we had it on jumper cables and a trickle charger. I have absolutely no idea what to do.

4 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Hi,

Wow... How much water was in the vehicle?

As far as the no start, since the starter is engaging, we need to determine if we lost ignition spark or fuel to the engine.

Here is what I need you to try. See if it will start with starting fluid. If it does and then stalls, we know it is a fuel-related issue. If there is no change, then I need you to check for spark to the plugs.

Here is a link that explains how that is done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-for-ignition-spark

Let me know what you find.

Joe

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Friday, July 7th, 2023 AT 8:57 PM

MEGANSAURUS

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Not sure exactly how much water but definitely inches, and as she’d suck it out, she would add more. The floor is still soaked, I’m working on trying to get the seats out so I can lift up the carpet.

It apparently was a fuel issue; someone we know came and took the line right off the engine and when we tried to start it no fuel came out. I was told that’s a clear sign it isn’t getting fuel. I pulled out my backseat last night and there’s components there that were also sitting in water, not sure if they are relevant.

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Saturday, July 8th, 2023 AT 9:38 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Hi,

Anything is possible. By chance, could you take a couple of pictures of the components? Also, I need to know if this is a 2 or 4 door.

Let me know.

Joe

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Saturday, July 8th, 2023 AT 9:21 PM

MEGANSAURUS