2.3 Ghia X Engine Cut Out.

[Zork]

!999 V 2.3 Ghia X

 

Hello, I have just had my first adventure driving in France. The other day after about 45mins of driving I felt a slight cut out, but the engine kept going so I ignored it. Then yesterday on the motorway the same thing happened. Soon after I had a total power loss. No warning lights. I pulled over and fortunately it restarted immediately. Although, I noticed the temp' gauge was slightly hotter than normal, but still in the NORM range. I drove into Calais parked etc then went to the tunnel with no further problems. I turned the engine off at immigration and that was it. It wouldn't start. It turned over but there was no firing. The tunnel recovery guy came along and fiddled with a few wires which he told me was the fuel pump connector and it started. I was waiting in the train queue ticking over and it did the same again. The chap came out and tried again, this time he took the wire off the temperature sensor, ( so he told me in his best english) and it started. This was then replaced. I got on the train and drove about 80miles when I got off. It cut out three more times when I got near home but restarted OK. I have no idea if the connectors had anything to do with it. It seems to me that it happens after driving for some distance and the engine gets hot. Any ideas? ( it reminds me of the problem with Hillman Imps when the fuel used to evaporate out of the pipe).

 

Incidently if you break down at the tunnel they will put your car on the train and get it back to England.

Edited August 18, 2008 by Zork

[seatkid]

Sounds like the infamous "relay 30" - intermittent fuel pump relay - check the FAQ

 

Also (loose) fusebox connections to this/other relays are known to give intermittent problems.

[Zork]

Thanks for that. I'll give it a look. Didn't realise it was that common.

[Stevoo]

When my replay played up my car I was told if the relay doesnt switch on the fuel pump doesnt prime(that buzzing noise u get) then the engine will crank over but not fire up. So i agree its the pink relay think it was about

[Zork]

Thanks Stevoo, I read the FAQ which refers to a Mk11 and was just about to ask how I access it on a Mk1.

I bought the relay today. It's black but has a big No. 30 on it. Cost just over

[Zork]

Success! Changed the thing. Took me about 50mins following the excellent instructions from Graham in FAQ. Why are they so difficult to get at? It's hardly a quick fix job.

I guess I may never know if that was the problem. ;)

[Stevoo]

Nice one, that should last another 8 odd years ;)