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 Posted: Jul 12, 2016 11:28AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kenatminimania
Quote:
Originally Posted by sdowd
Update July 11th - I've been able to double check all the sensor and timing and the last error code is: 2BD4 - which is the computer communication.

As  a reminder; I refurbished the head, new head gasket, new oil cooler gaskets, new timing chain, new cam sprockets, new cam sensor, new spark plugs and fluids.

Somewhere during the refurb I must have disconnect or ruined a wire or plug.

The mini is turning over great but won't fire. No spark at the plugs.

Any tips based on this update would be appreciated.
If your last error code is pointing to the computer, it sounds like a failed ECU, or maybe corrupted software requiring re-flash.... 

Ken
Do you have a noid light ? Besides no spark do you know if you have injector pulses ?

Not of the best quality, they will work, harbor-freight has cheap noid lights for sale that could assist you in diagnostics. 

 Posted: Jul 12, 2016 10:49AM
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a girl friend of mine just called me an asking if i know of a mechanic who can fix her 2008 BMW Mini, it's currently not running. i'm like, really?? gosh,,,these Binis are so disposable..my goodness! it ruins the good reputation of BMW to be honest

 Posted: Jul 12, 2016 06:35AM
Total posts: 2271
Last post: May 23, 2023
Member since:Dec 29, 2004
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sdowd
Update July 11th - I've been able to double check all the sensor and timing and the last error code is: 2BD4 - which is the computer communication.

As  a reminder; I refurbished the head, new head gasket, new oil cooler gaskets, new timing chain, new cam sprockets, new cam sensor, new spark plugs and fluids.

Somewhere during the refurb I must have disconnect or ruined a wire or plug.

The mini is turning over great but won't fire. No spark at the plugs.

Any tips based on this update would be appreciated.
If your last error code is pointing to the computer, it sounds like a failed ECU, or maybe corrupted software requiring re-flash.... 

Ken

 Posted: Jul 11, 2016 09:42AM
Total posts: 4
Last post: Jul 11, 2016
Member since:May 23, 2016
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Update July 11th - I've been able to double check all the sensor and timing and the last error code is: 2BD4 - which is the computer communication.

As  a reminder; I refurbished the head, new head gasket, new oil cooler gaskets, new timing chain, new cam sprockets, new cam sensor, new spark plugs and fluids.

Somewhere during the refurb I must have disconnect or ruined a wire or plug.

The mini is turning over great but won't fire. No spark at the plugs.

Any tips based on this update would be appreciated.

 Posted: May 24, 2016 04:44AM
 Edited:  May 24, 2016 05:20AM
Total posts: 2271
Last post: May 23, 2023
Member since:Dec 29, 2004
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Have you tried an OBD code reader to see if there are any engine error codes stored in the computer?  Maybe this might shed some light...

Have you ever had the thermostat housing serviced?  If the temp sensor in the thermostat housing has failed, it can send an 'overheat' signal to the ecu and won't allow the car to start...   just a thought...

I assume you checked all the ground connections...

Here's something you can try - disconnect both battery cables, short the pos and neg cables together, let sit for at least 15 min.  reconnect the cables and try starting....  (This is a diy attempt to reset the computer)

It's always possible the ecu software became corrupted and may require a re-flash...

You can also test the fuel pumps (low pressure and high pressure) just to rule them out...

Ken

 Posted: May 23, 2016 01:45PM
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I got excited to think it might be that simple.....but no, the spare reacted the same. I've used both keys so I know they were both working before the timing chain failure. When I press the key button it just turns over until I release the clutch. I also made sure the battery has a full charge.

Other tips are appreciated!

 Posted: May 23, 2016 12:14PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sdowd
My 2007 Mini S, hatchback, manual trans timing chain failed which caused major engine damage. Now it's back together it cranks but doesn't start. What I've replaced so far is: timing chain assembly, 100% rebuild DOHC head, spark plugs, all three gears, all fluids, went ahead and replace oil cooler gaskets.  Timing was set with the "timing tool" kit I purchased.  I pulled two different plugs and it appears there is no spark when cranking. I've checked all the wiring, looks clean (plugs are tight and no worn wires).  The odd thing is after the timing chain broke (before it was rebuilt) when I hit the starter button the car would continue to crank till I released the clutch. Now everything is back together it's doing the same thing.  When cracking its turning over great, sounds good, but just no spark in plugs.


Any suggestions is greatly appreciated. I've been at this for four months and don't want to resort to taking it back to a dealer. Hope to resolve this myself.

Thank you for tips / suggestions!
Problem with the key??  Have you tried your spare key?

ken

 Posted: May 23, 2016 09:39AM
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Thank you. I'll try the clutch suggestion and search for how to reset all error codes. 

 Posted: May 23, 2016 06:41AM
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CA
I can't help technically, but a couple of "maybe if"s..

Does it start in neutral with the clutch released, as you described "before". Whatever that problem was/is, it might be the clutch position sensor... other modern cars won't crank unless you have the clutch pedal fully depressed, even in neutral. (Note: it would be clearer to say if the clutch was "disengaged "or "engaged" - "released" is sometimes confusing - is the clutch released (disengaged) or the pedal released (clutch engaged).

Maybe the computer triggered a "no spark" safe mode as a result of the timing chain failure and damage. Maybe if you had it reset or fault codes cleared...

.

"Hang on a minute lads....I've got a great idea."

 Posted: May 23, 2016 05:32AM
 Edited:  May 23, 2016 05:48AM
Total posts: 4
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Member since:May 23, 2016
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My 2007 Mini S, hatchback, manual trans timing chain failed which caused major engine damage. Now it's back together it cranks but doesn't start. What I've replaced so far is: timing chain assembly, 100% rebuild DOHC head, spark plugs, all three gears, all fluids, went ahead and replace oil cooler gaskets.  Timing was set with the "timing tool" kit I purchased.  I pulled two different plugs and it appears there is no spark when cranking. I've checked all the wiring, looks clean (plugs are tight and no worn wires).  The odd thing is after the timing chain broke (before it was rebuilt) when I hit the starter button the car would continue to crank till I released the clutch. Now everything is back together it's doing the same thing.  When cracking its turning over great, sounds good, but just no spark in plugs.


Any suggestions is greatly appreciated. I've been at this for four months and don't want to resort to taking it back to a dealer. Hope to resolve this myself.

Thank you for tips / suggestions!