Posted: 03 February 2010 at 15:27 | IP Logged

1997 (P) Micra Vibe, 3 door hatch, 998cc, petrol, manual.

Had it for 7 years. Serviced about 10,000 miles back. Only previous trouble was having to replace the distributor when it failed whilst driving. The RAC failed to diagnose that, -i had to get a mobile tuner out to it, so i lost my No Call Out discount off the RAC AND, of course, had to pay the mobile guy!
I started the engine the other night to move the car a few yards to a safer parking speck.  It would not re-start later on.  It did sound like it was 'trying' to start but now there is nothing other than the cranking. Similar to what happens if you run out of petrol, when you get that 'hunting' effect. Wasn't really sure if that was a clue to this being a fuel problem or not, as i've read that the engine management system can cause similar symptoms.
Deffo sparking; -removed a spark plug, reconnected to HT lead, laid it on the engine and turned engine over. Good spark -on all 4 HT leads, although the plug was black (and dry) rather than brown. Removed air-filter to examine carburettor which looked dry, and when i smelt in the 'pot' there was no smell of petrol.
Do not hear the petrol pump priming when i turn the ignition on -but then again i don't think i ever have.  I do hear a priming noise that coincides with the AirBag light going out. When i removed the petrol cap i did not get the usual 'gasp' of air going into the tank caused by the vacuum effect of the pump drawing fuel. The engine light on the dash is currently steady -not flashing, but does normally go out when the engine is running. I have about 1/4 to 1/3 tank of fresh petrol from about a week ago. Battery is newish, and has been recharged anyway. Have removed, checked and reinserted what i believed to be the fuel pump fuse (as tipped in other forums). Don't know where the fuel pump itself is to test if it's getting any current. Have tried a tip i read about keeping accelerator down for 15 sec whilst cranking, then remove, but keep cranking, without any joy.  Any tips/advice on what to try next, and/or where to find the fuel pump?
Thanks

Posted: 08 February 2010 at 10:54 | IP Logged

Well i got it going yesterday, Sunday 7th Feb, but have not tried it since. Put a new set of spark plugs in -the old ones were blackish to black, and wet. Cranked the engine without the plugs in and it whizzed round, as you would expect. This was to satisfy myself that there was compression when i turned it over with the plugs in.

Didn't start right away -nothing like it. It just turned and turned, without sounding like it would start.

Had lifted the rear seat to open the fuel pump access panel, and established that the priming noise i'd heard was in fact the fuel pump.

Tried a dribble of petrol down the carb, but that didn't produce so much as a flicker.

I just persisted for about 5 minutes, and eventually it began to try and catch.  I think most motorists 'know' the best position to hold their accelerator at, so i did that, just held it there. Then as it began to catch more i pumped a little, which helped. Eventually it began to run, although very spluttery, then it caught proper and revved up -albeit a little reluctantly, but at least it was running, without the starter cranking. I let it run, white/grey smoke billowing from the exhaust, until the demisters were hot.  The battery had taken a bit of a pasting -i was impressed how much power it had, so it was time to get it off and give it a good, slow charge.  I'll put it on again tonight and try starting up -fingers crossed.

Even if it does start, it doesn't completely ease my mind as to what/how/why it happened in the first place! I've googled the problem and found lots of instances of people who've had very nearly the same trouble, after running the engine for only a few moments.  There have been lots of suggestions about engine management, and about the choke. 

Modern engines are beyond me with all this computerisation -give me a Ford Cortina, or even my old Sunny 1.3 any day!  So i'd still be interested to hear what anyone else has to say.  Thanks.

Posted: 10 February 2010 at 21:54 | IP Logged

Sorry for not replying to this sooner.

This is very common with Micras and only happens when you start them from cold, move a short distance (out of the garage on to the drive for example) and switch them off.

Basically they 'flood'. You need to put some new NGK spark plugs in it (i know you've changed the plugs but are they NGK?) as the excess fuel ruins the resistor in the plug.

The way to get them started when they do this is to put your foot right to the floor on the throttle and just keep turning the engine over until it starts. This will work 99% of the time with good plugs.

The problem will not reoccur if you let the engine warm up a little before you switch it off. Try avoiding starting it from cold, moving it a few feet and switching it off.

Hope this helps,

Mick

Posted: 11 February 2010 at 16:54 | IP Logged

Thanks for the feedback and advice everyone.  Between these comments, what i've read elsewhere and what i've observed myself i understand better now what happened (why is beyond me though!!!!) And i understand the reasoning behind the suggestions of what to do next time, so thank you.

Yes i fitted NGK plugs, supplied by Halfords, and the car is running MUCH better for having them in!

Perhaps i'll get a better MPG from now on.  I think i was getting about 9 to 9.5 miles per litre.  I know it should be more than that but i do do short runs of 1 to 2 miles quite often, which i attributed as the reason for the sub 10 figure. Fingers crossed!

Thanks again