Engine cutting out

[CrashBangWallop]

Evening people,

My car has cut out on me three times and during three different scenario (possibly, only two though)

First time it cut out overtaking a car on the motorway.  It spluttered for a bit and then everything just died for about 20 seconds.  It burst into life again as if nothing had happened.

Second time was during a healthy blat through some of the local countryside.  Again, the car spluttered and died.  Only this time it didn't restart.  I had to pull over.  I tried to turn it over a few times.  The engine was turning over but, wouldn't fire up.  I waited 10 minutes then tried it again after a couple of attempts it fired up.

Third time was pottering through town on the way back from work.  Constant stopping and starting.  I felt the car splutter, then when I tried to pull away, it died.  I had to push it off the roundabout which was slightly amusing during rush-hour  Again, I left the car for ten minutes and it fired up straight away.

All I can think of is either: -

that the car got too hot and the ECU went into 'crawl home' mode but, I'm sure that just limits the boost to 4 psi and it wouldn't shut the engine down.  It kind-of makes sense because of the wait for it to cool down.

The car is over fuelling and I'm flooding the engine.  The ten minute wait is enough time for the excess fuel to evapourate (or whatever it does).

Lastly, and the most probable cause, my fuel pump sounds rather nasty when it primes and then continuously sounds a bit nasty once the engine is running.  A new pump is £100 quid, or thereabouts, so I'd like to try other avenues before I splash out on a new pump.

My Westfield has a Fiesta RS turbo 1.6 engine, Garrett T3 turbo and standard Ford OFAB ECU - if that's any help

Therefore, I'd appreciate any ideas you all may have and I'll try to start ticking them off.

Thanks,

Neil

I'll start with...

1. Run the engine and wiggle the wires to the fuel pump and see if it cuts out.

[Liam]

Fuel vapourisation - fuel line near something hot

[CrashBangWallop]

Only when it gets close to the engine, Liam.

Maybe, I should have given the short question of: -

Car fcuked.  What now?

Neil

[bill shurvinton]

Come to the dark side...get a mappable ECU...

Your problem is either fuel or spark. First you need to prove its not spark.

[steppenwolf]

Your problem is either fuel or spark. First you need to prove its not spark.

Problem solved then!

[Mark B]

All I can think of is either: -

that the car got too hot and the ECU went into 'crawl home' mode but, I'm sure that just limits the boost to 4 psi and it wouldn't shut the engine down.  It kind-of makes sense because of the wait for it to cool down.

Hi Neil,

The ecu doesn't have a limp home mode, you're correct it just limits the boost, the same will happen if the intake temps get too hot so watch out in summer.

Have you checked all the connections on the engine loom and is the ecu in a secure place?

Any idea of the amount of fuel going in/ tried a gas analyser on it?

Is the crank sensor ok?

Edit- Oh is it chipped, if so is the plug in chip module secure? We had problems with them working loose occasionally.

[adamnreeves]

Sounds like fuel related, sounds like vaporisation is occuring but I am not sure if this happens whilst the car is running, heard of this when starting a warm engine with webers. Anyhow, you are going to have to use process of emlination, sorry cannot be more help, maybe someone more knowledgeable will come along and give you a list.

Embarassing happening when you are over taking someone! Interesting engine for a westy though.

[CrashBangWallop]

Unfortunately the turbo has to run upside-down (from the original Escort exhaust manifold) and is, therefore, much closer to the CPS than it should be.  I've covered the sensor as best I can with heat shield.  I've still got exhaust wrap and a Thermotec turbo cover to put on. so, that may solve the problem.

No, the car is not chipped.  Though, it _is_ sitting in a box, in the garage, waiting for it's moment of glory

The ECU is far away from anything hot, right up against the scuttle.

I have no idea of the fuel pressure but, this will be tested over the weekend, hopefully.  Of course, I'll only know the pressure at idle but, it's something (if little) to tick off.

What's vapourisation?  Is it the fuel getting too hot and evapourating before the spark?

I failed to mention that this just started happening recently.  The car ran fine for a few months during the winter.  This, of course, could have been because it was colder and I wasn't as heavy-footed as I'm getting used to the car.

thanks,

Neil

[Mark B]

Hmm if you have a spare cps, it might be worth sticking it on to see if the problem goes away....

I'd get that heat wrap on asap aswell, plenty other things to check in the meantime, let us know how you get on....

Oh when you fit the chip, hold it in place on the ecu with gaffer tape, sounds rough but it's the best thing, oh and try to mount the ecu on some closed cell foam to help against vibration etc if you've not done it already.

Cheers,

Mark.

[BuGsBuNnY]

Is the pump near the fuel tank or in the engine bay? What sort of pump is it?

[CrashBangWallop]

Is the pump near the fuel tank or in the engine bay? What sort of pump is it?

At the back of the car close to the lower-rear wishbone.  Nothing is touching/rubbing it.  though, I'm going to swap out a few relays to see if it's them.

I can't remember the type of pump.  It's a German name, I think, and it's off someone's V8 on this site.  It's being fed by a 1 litre swirl-pot.  I initially thought it was simply draining the pot, until the car cut out under barely moving for 20 minutes.

The ECU is mounted on some foam.  Not that thick but as well protected as I've seen in other cars..

[scruffythefirst]

Running the standard ofab with a t3 wont be doing you any favours.

[CrashBangWallop]

Running the standard ofab with a t3 wont be doing you any favours.

I believe you but, 95% of the modded cars on FiestaTurbo forum heading towards the 200 mark are all running standard OFAB/OFAC ECU's.  And I'm only running standard boost.  Some of them are running a LOT more.

One guy is running a Megasquirt on his 2 ltr Zetec Turbo but, that's 240 bhp and beige injectors.

However, after all that... I was wiggling the fuel pump tonight whilst the car was idling.  The whining noise changed pitch a little.. quickly followed by the engine spluttering and cutting out.

So,  looks like I'll be buying a new pump then.

Anyone know what I should get to suit the engine?

Thanks,

Neil

[ChrisF]

Anyone know what I should get to suit the engine

A pink and yellow florescent one....judging on your past exploits    

[Blatman]

Running the standard ofab with a t3 wont be doing you any favours.

I believe you but, 95% of the modded cars on FiestaTurbo forum heading towards the 200 mark are all running standard OFAB/OFAC ECU's.  And I'm only running standard boost.  Some of them are running a LOT more.

One guy is running a Megasquirt on his 2 ltr Zetec Turbo but, that's 240 bhp and beige injectors.

However, after all that... I was wiggling the fuel pump tonight whilst the car was idling.  The whining noise changed pitch a little.. quickly followed by the engine spluttering and cutting out.

So,  looks like I'll be buying a new pump then.

Anyone know what I should get to suit the engine?

Thanks,

Neil

Kinda worried that you've immediately assumed you need to spend 100 quid on a new pump when it could easily be a duff spade connector. Or have you checked and just haven't said?