andrewmctiernan

Hi all,
posting for a pal, 2003 fiesta 1.4 petrol is turning and not firing, he'd ran the fuel right down so I suggested sticking a few quid in and taking for a run, we bumped it to start it, it ran fine and started ok and was left overnight where it again failed to fire, we bumped it and it started, I have suggested sticking a new fuel filter on, it is not throwing any engine lights on, am i missing something, he had previously topped his engine oil but I think this will have no bearing

thanks

Andy

galingong

You should determine if it's fuel or spark related. Checking spark would be the first thing I did - when it fails to start I'd remove spark plugs one by one, put them near the chassis or any grounded surface and you should see if you have spark or not.
I guess you should have fuel if it starts by bumping it. I had something similar with my previous car, it was an uncertain loom connector in the engine bay.

andrewmctiernan

it starts fine after the initial bump

galingong

I understand that. Nevertheless you should check if you have spark or not.
Not likely, but possible that starter motor draws current and no current is left for ignition.
As I've said, very unlikely and still wouldn't explain why it starts later on, but all I'm saying is that it's worth checking. Maybe battery is weak, and after first start alternator charges enough for normal operation.

andrewmctiernan

battery is holding full charge at 12.7

andrewmctiernan

any chance its the fuel pump?

galingong

May be, but you don't know until you check. That's why I said that if you determine if it's fuel or spark, then you have a starting point where to go next.

RichieST

iTrader: (2)

What's the voltage at the battery while cranking?

andrewmctiernan

never got to that stage, swopped the fuel filter over, stuck a tenners worth of juice in and it was ok on my last test, no issues with the car till it was ran down to virtually zero fuel so I am hoping that may be it, could it be?