Topic

Here's my update.... I changed all the fuel; 5ml of oil into each plug hole to help compression. I removed the fuel rail and no obstruction (thanks Leigh). Still getting fuel and spark,but when I turn it over it sounds like it's about to kick for a second then dies. This happens each time. I tried it with easy start and boom, started instantly but died as soon as the easy start burned off. I noticed the inside of the air chamber is oily. Could this be relevant?

probably not.
you're not getting enough organic compound to sustain ignition.
this is almost certainly due to the injectors shutting off because the ecu doesn't know where the feck the crank or cam shaft is in relation to the compression stroke.

my next step would be to check the crank and cam sensors

You are right, not enough to sustain it. I've already replaced the crank sensor. I'll check the cam sensor and see if it helps. Thanks Mike.

here is a video of the symptoms

Take the plugs out. Are they wet with fuel? Or bone dry?

Thanks for getting back to me. They are wet

The fact that it starts easily with ''easy start'' suggests that it is not getting fuel normally. However if the plugs are wet with fuel that means fuel is getting through.

Are you sure the fuel is good quality?
Is the air filter clogged up?

i changed all the fuel yesterday and cleaned the fuel rail. It's definitely getting fuel through the injectors. I've taken the air filter unit off at the minute. Maybe it's getting too much fuel resulting in it flooding before it gets started. I'm totally baffled. All the ingredients are there. I still have to check the cam sensor.

Are the injectors firing? you might need to do a noid light test.

The injectors are all firing, and they have been cleaned. My head is melted with it! lol.it seems that it should run. I'm going to change the timing belt next week. An electrician is going to put yet another computer on to search for faults. At least that'll be something else to tick off the list!

This is a very interesting thread.......hope you discover the answer soon im biting my lip waiting to know the answer to why your f wont start.......does the engine look clean and oil free?.............or has it got heavy oil deposits from the breather or crank seals?...........heavy oil deposits around these areas can point to crank case compression due to worn bores etc................i often see engines with new starter motors fitted because the original starter had worn out due to bad starting because of worn bores...........reading another thread on non starting mg cars the fuel cut off switch was mentiond.......but seeing has yours is getting fuel.......it cant be that can it?