Boyfriend has a 2003 Mini Coop S. Tried to start it up yesterday and it won't turn over. It cranks up, but it either seems clogged, or no flow of gas going thru(fuel pump)? Please advise. Mahalo

You need to trace the problems these ways :
- Check power on fuel pump terminal ( it should has 12 volts DC while you power on the ignition key < use a DC voltmeter to do this>)
If there is power but your fuel pump is not work, you need to replace the pump. If there is no power on fuel pump terminal , trace the cable and relay for malfunction and get them fixed.

- If your pump work, no gass output clean your fuel filter or replace it with new one.

The poor performance of the car makes these faults to come up and undermine the working of the engine thereby resulting in the engine not firing.

So to start off we need to check from the fuel tank. Check if the fuel contains impurities and specially water. If so this can come up with the pumping when the tank gets empty and produce misfiring, splutter and jerks. So a check on the fuel filter will confirm this as it will be seen, if so remove and clean tank and change the filter. We then come to the fuel pump/carburetor as the fuel mixing and pressure is determined in this section. You need to have the pump calibrated if the pressure at the injector is low.

Then we must check with the electrics. The spark intensity is most important .Remove all plugs to check gap and condition of plugs. The black plug indication will confirm that the performance is bad whereas a fully fired plug without deposits must be the ideal view. Check the HT coil and the HT wires, if the intensity is bad this must be swapped and checked to confirm. DO NOT CHANGE any part without a confirmation by trying with a replacement from another vehicle or friend. Finally the LT trigger to the coils must be checked be it from the platinum points or an electronic ignition unit. The voltage of the trigger must be high to give the best HT output.

Now use a strobe to check the Timing on the engine. Adjust if needed to see the TOP DEAD CENTER-TDC- mark. If there is valve noise make sure that the tappets are set properly so that the valves seat firmly for the best compression. Also check compression of engine if there is imbalance on the engine or reduced power.