Okay, so back in September my boss accidentally towed my car. He didn't know I had a car because I typically walk to work and he didn't recognize it as an employee car. When I parked my MINI it ran fine. It started on the first crank and was a well-oiled and waxed* machine. However months before I had an issue where I would turn the key over and nothing would happen. Not a spark or crank. It would sometimes take me many tries to get the car started, but it would always start. This was an issue in the Summer so no cold Ohio weather was involved. But on the day of the towing and weeks before, that issue had stopped. When I got to the towing garage it would not start, I was there for hours, but thats beyond the point. After I had it towed to the garage it was diagnosed having no compression in two of the cylinders. I'm wondering how this could be possible with it having ran perfectly fine when I shut the car off. I should also note that over the summer (months before towing) there was a slight *sputtering* in the engine at stop lights, as if it was kind of shaking but only very, very slightly. In fact, my passengers never even noticed. I know that's a lot to read but if someone could help me have a better understanding of what exactly is going on I would appreciate it. It has been at this garbage since September because I was unsure of what to do, but today I had it towed to a mini specialist but in the mean time any input would be very helpful. Thanks a million.

-Tanner

 

The only thing that I can think of is if they towed it backwards with it in gear. It may have spun the engine in reverse and blown the engine due to the fact that the oil pump does not work in reverse. I would see if your boss has a video of the towing from a security camera. You also need to pull the head and see what is going on.the timing chain may have broken. You may have to use the towing company if they towed from behind with it in gear. Maybe even thank your boss.

 

Trying to apply straight logic based on info you have provided.
A car that doesn't start or crank likely has an electrical issue which has nothing to do with compression. The slight shutter at stop lights is somewhat common. I dont think these two issues have anything to do with the current IMO. To give the towtruck driver some credit, he probably put it on a flat bed or raised the front wheels and took it out of gear. I dont think its typical to tow a front wheel drive car in reverse. If the car has no compression in two cylinders now I suppose the tow could have damaged it and if it was cranking but not starting after the tow then I would think it very likely. That said the garage could be taking you for a ride. A compression test is really easy to do. Look it up so you know how it works and then have your new mini mechanic perform it in front of you so you can be sure there are no shenanigans. Popped spark plugs are not uncommon in mini's but fixing it isnt a big deal with an insert. Good luck my friend.

 

Since the OP said his boss had it towed, that indicated it was probably dragged out of its parking spot onto a flatbed. No keys around, probably in gear. All not good.

The sputter, I had that for a short while. Then I jumped on it once day and it was over. Broken ring land, no compression.

I agree though, have the shop do the test on all four cylinders while you watch.

Popped spark plugs suck. I have an insert. The ONLY way to get an insert installed so it doesn't come out with the plug is to pull the head, not from the top.