Originally Posted By Ian
I checked all connections, and the fuel pump was humming as usual. I checked the plugs and some were damp with petrol, so I changed them for a new set. I kept cranking and eventually it caught but died immediately. It did this 3 or 4 times, then I got it to start properly. Took it for a drive and all was normal. Anybody have any ideas what could have been the problem?


Hi Ian

I have a 96 +8 and had a very similar problem earlier this year, like you battery was charged with charger car started ok then few days later would not start. The issue was the battery. On a +8 if yours is like mine it is a very small, originally found in Mini's, not a lot of umph for a Rover V8. Starting draws a lot of current for fuel pump, ECU, and starter, so if any of the battery cells are failing the car probably will not start. This was confirmed form me as the first replacement I put in failed after 2 weeks and after checking everything else concluded it was duff and took it back and fitted a Bosch one and then all was ok. I would take the battery to a specialist and get the full Mamp/hour reading with it fully charged. If its below 30 Mamp/h it is probably on its way out, in terms of being reliable to start a V8.

I hope this helps.

cheers

Adrian

Buggered Off, to a modern none leaky car, heart's still ticking