Rover 216 SLi Not starting when engine is warm

I replied to someone else in this newsgroup with a similar problem so I've snipped my answer;

I had a very similar problem although mine was on a 216GSi (petrol). Took me ages to trace this not to mention various parts replaced in the hope of finding a cure. Turned out to be the small relay just behind the centre console on the passenger side. cost me £10 from a scrap dealer and hasn't given me any problems since.

By the way, this problem was an ongoing one for years. Even had the distributer chip replaced twice by a greedy mechanic (no tarring of the brush intended). Used to drive it up the shop and it wouldn';t start for a while when i got back in.

Hope this helps you in some way or maybe someone else who's reading.

David

They reset the ignition timing? What the hell does that mean?

I used to have one of these Rovers with the Honda 1.6 unit. Great engine but also was hard to start when hot. Admittedly, I didn't have to wait so long to start it.

When you start the car from hot do you automatically pump the throttle as well? I'd suggest trying to start it without touching the throttle at all. Then try starting with the throttle half pressed and see what results you get.

A fuel filter change might be of some benefit as well.

Dear David,

Thanks for the info, I think I'll try a new relay. When you had this problem did you notice that it became worse as the weather became warmer? This was a big problem for me last summer, the heatwave held my car to ransom a couple of times because it wouldn't start at all. That's why I deduced that this problem was temperature sensitive. Thanks.

Paul

Thanks for the reply,

I don't know what re-setting the ignition timing means either because according to the Haynes manual and other sources, the timing is controlled by the ECU. I've a good mind to ask for my money back.

You're right in saying the Honda 1.6 is a great engine, it's probably the best car I've owned to date because of this.

I have tried pumping the throttle and also not touching it but it doesn't appear to make any difference. I don't think it's anything to do with the fuel filter because the car runs fine when it finally starts. I think the problem is electrical and temperature sensitive but I could be wrong. Thanks for the input anyway, if you can think of any other possibilities please don't hesitate to reply.

Paul

Hi Paul,

It seemed to happen whatever the weather to be honest. But I noticed it always seemed to happen when I was in a rush ;-)

Is the coolant temp sensor ok? If it's showing cold all the time, it may make the car run rich, which would be ok when the engine is cold but not when it's hot

Pete

I had exactly the same problem for years. One of the clicks you hear before the car starts switches on the fuel pump. There is a small relay (approx 6cm x 3cm - mine was brown)) on the passenger side of the centre console. Undo the 4/6 black screws holding the centre console on and pull it back a little. The relay is screwed or bolted to the framework behind with one screw/bolt and comes out of it's connector easily. I removed an old one from a scrap yard (216GSi) and it worked first time. Actually it didn't work straight away, I had to push up the small engine cut-off (feels like a ball bearing switch) on the right hand side of the centre console. I'd removed it thinking it could be faulty but if you haven't done the same you shouldn't need to reset it. If you do it's easy and can be done with the console back in place. It's in the Haynes manual or just feel about for it and press it in!

All the best with this. I've had no trouble since I did it, just wish I'd tried it years ago! Let us know how you got on.

David