Just purchased a 2002 mini with 151000 miles from lien sale.It has the auto trans,Was told it ran and drove but lost key. I had one made by local BMW(Mini) dealer and thought all good. Looked in good shape but neglected so began some general tune up items. Air filter(eng) cabin air filter( original and absolutely packed tight with debris) and then charged the battery and attempted to start. Turned over nicely , sputtered a bit and ran very rough. Changed out the plugs and helped a bit but no power and would not idle. Looked at fuel filter, absolutely black so changed it. Still nothing. Checked fuel pressure at rail, ZERO ! Replaced fuel pump, even though it seemed to be running correctly, still zero pressure at rail. HELP ! Any ideas?? Thank you

 

Hello anyone, Let me know if any ideas. I have done the filter gasket check multiple times, Replaced the o rings inside, but not the bottom one as did not have hook to remove. It is pliant and created resistance when new filter placed so sure no leak from there. Fuel does come from fuel line clip when disengaged, but certainly not 50PSI as stated to be at rail. Still zero fuel at rail. I disconnected filter connection and reverse blew from rail and fuel came out and was clean, no debris. Hooked all back up, energized the pump a few times and still nothing at rail ! Any suggestions?

 

Did you change the fuel filter regulator? It is on the fuel rail.


-Jeff

 

Not aware it had one. Is it that black plastic thing on passenger side(right side USA) of the rail?

 

It is in the center of the fuel rail. Here's a link with a diagram of where it is and what it looks like: https://www.outmotoring.com/fuel-pre...regulator.html


You can probably find one at a local auto parts store.


-Jeff

 

OK Thanks. I was looking at that. Would there be any issues if I removed the filter and reinstalled just for testing purposes or does it need the element to run?

 

OH wait. I understand now. It does not come apart. The schematic looked like it had a cartridge. I will remove and see if can blow through it or get any flow.
Thank you Jeff

 

That is a good question. I am not sure. Maybe you could pick one up and return it to an auto parts store, if it does not solve the issue. I really cannot think of anything else it could be, other than a blockage in the fuel line.


You could also try cleaning the one on the car thoroughly with brake cleaner.

 

Jeff,
Just took apart and my FPR does not look like the one on the link you sent. The vacuum line comes off the side, not the center. Not sure it makes any difference as vacuum line should attach with no issues

 

A lot of people serviced the fuel filter only to have no fuel pressure. The problem is typically during reassembling the filter assembly. Pelican has a very good how to article and warns about this.

I've never done one so that is that.

 

My apologies. I did not look up the specific 2002 year. My daughter has a 2004 and the fuel regulator is the same as yours where the vacuum line is on the side. I've not changed the regulator in her car, only the o-ring on the regulator.



Does the fuel pump stop running when you turn the key to run mode?

 

I will caution to suspect the regulator. This is a very simple device is unlikely to fail. Often servicing the fuel filter the problem is the mechanic. BTW, OP has yet to identify if which Mini he has. Makes some difference.

 

Where does one find this article to read about the no fuel pressure issue??

 

Here is the Pelican Parts article: https://www.pelicanparts.com/techart...eplacement.htm

 

Thank you for the link

 

Sorry if I neglected to mention my 2002 is Base model R50 I believe. Took FPR off and checked. Looked very clean inside, O rings looked good as well. I am going to check that pesky o ring in filter top for the 3rd time just to make sure. The fuel flow out of fuel line seems just fair but there was flow. I did not have anything to the rail when everything was hooked up originally and that is why I took apart the fpr.
The original issue was sputtering and no idle and zero power. Pugs were very dirty, but dry. replaced and started a bit quicker but still no idle and zero power. It is an automatic and as soon as put in drive or reverse, it would die immediately.
As I said, will check o ring in filter cap again. Also replaced fuel pump which I now feel was not the culprit. I'll post results tomorrow. Thanks all

 

One thing that I would do when checking for internal failure of a part with vacuum actuation. Suck on the vacuum port with some care. When these parts fail, most often is the diaphragm has punctured. Yes. I have diagnosed failed diaphragm this way.

You should expect the fuel after the pump to be crystal clear. Otherwise you've got a lot more problem to deal with.

 

HAHA, did the "suck" test and it seems that the diaphragm is good. At this point I am just shooting in the dark as everything suggested seems to be in good working order. The fuel flow out of filter and through thew line to the rail is clear. I am going to take the filter apart (again) and triple check all the o rings and how they are set as even though I seem to be getting flow out of filter cartridge, it is not what I expected it to be. . I thought it would be quite forceful instead of just a generous flow?

I'll keep you all posted and thank you for all the good advice.

 

OK, Here is what I found.
Took fuel rail off, all looked normal. FPR seemed good. The only thing not normal was the O ring retainer on #4 remained in the port. It came out easily and I replaced all lower O rings and reinstalled the retainer.. Turned the key, ZERO fuel.
OK, no leaks around pump and filter. Took filter out again and found the skinny internal O ring had slipped down out of place. Reinstalled and carefully for the 4th time (lol). .Turned ket and had fuel line to rail disconnected so I could see the flow, and this time a gusher !!. OK, buttoned it all up, turned key a few time to bleed any air and hit it. Started right up but ran ver rough . Would not idle and could not get more the 4000 rpm.
Codes were P0304, P1109 and P0313. 1st is of course misfire #4, I have no idea what 1109 is a states to high manifold pressure on deceleration(?) and 0313 is also a new one. Tank reads a bit more then 1/4 and fuel was no issue getting to rail, but I will go get a couple more gallons to satisfy that code.
Any thoughts on #4? and 1109?
Thanks

 

Hey, Where did everybody go? LOL.
Starts right up, acts like 2 or 3 cylinders are not firing. Originally came up with P0304, and that is the cylinder that had injector o ring retainer left in port when removed. After replaced all injector o rings, got same P0304, cleared and now P0300, random misfire. Will not idle and still has max revs around 4K.
Anyone have any ideas? Absolutely zero power whne I could get it to not die when put into drive. Had to be on a downward incline however or immediately dies when put into any gear, forward or reverse.
This is getting old and no competent mechanics anywhere close. Nearest at least 50 miles away.
Thanks in advance. Just not sure where to attack next.

 

Not to divert from the original post, but could this all be to do with resetting the adaptation for the transmission? Many of the symptoms appear to be similar.

This is only a 15-min video - it may be worth watching:

 

MVPeteres, Thanks for the info but not trans related. This issue is strictly with the engine. I cannot get it to idle without keeping a foot on the throttle. Corrected the fuel flow issue now dealing with random misfire.
The car was clearly neglected as filters all filthy. Surprisingly the oil is spotless and shows regular changes. I am pretty sure it may be with the injectors and or coil pack or possibly induction system. Thanks for your input.
Vic

 

OP, is the AT/CVT original, with 151k miles?

 

Yes as far as I know. Got it in a lien sale and was running prior to impound.

 

Some of that crud that was in the filter housing may have gotten up into the injectors and plugged them

Just a thought