p38 backfired now wont start

Hi, while doing around 60 my RR backfired and then the engine died and all the lights came on the dashboard.

I tried to restart it but it backfired again and then started but before it settled to tickover it stopped. Thinking it could be short of fuel I got a tow to the petrol station where I got it to start but not run above 500rpm and if I tried to touch the pedal it would just die.

Has anyone else experienced this or have a clue about what it could be? It seems to be poor spark and or fuel/air mix I have been through all the fuses but they all appear ok and dont know what to try next without a visit to the stealers.

any help appreciated, cheers

Hi Bobbler

Is it by any chance a single point LPG system?

Sounds like the backfire may have done damage to the airflow meter.

I assume it was basically running fine before the backfire?

Andy

hi andy, i think it is a single point lpg as it is about 6 years old now. When i try to start it it will either start and cut out before it settles to tick over or will backfire through the exhaust.

I have disconnected the battery overnight to try and reset the system.

check for any leaks in air intake, failing that its proll knackered maf sensor

Cheers for the replies,

I have recharged the battery (went a bit flat attempting to start it yesterday) and will refit it this morning. I know a local breakers has just taken in 2 p38s recently so if I cant find any air leaks I will get a 2nd hand MAF to try.

It was running fine before the backfire, I had been out for about 1/2 hour with no problems and then it just shat itself and cut out on the bypass.

mine backfired on the way home from kent, it knocked air intake off and i had to tie it on with a shoelace. got back and perminantly sealed the mixer ring to the plenum cover and not had a backfire since(xcept while starting on gas from cold when petrol ran put)

you need to find the cause of the bacfire to be trouble free!

put the battery back on this morning and reset all the windows and key code lockout (tried the code from the dealers but ended up using 1515). Starter motor then decided it didnt want to play, it would spin but not engage so its now sitting on the ramps at a local garage waiting for the starter to be refurbed (the teeth were very worn but luckily the flywheel didnt appear damaged).

Once i've got the starter back on I will start looking for any air leaks.

latest update (yes it is still off the road )

Got the starter repaired and refitted to the car but had to wait until last Monday to get it on the diagnostic which picked up a fault with the crankshaft sensor so left it with the garage to get sorted. I thought about soting it myself but as it was already on the ramps I figured why not just leave it.

Got a phone call yesterday telling me that its not the sensor but is more likely to be internal so stripping starts today and I will be getting a call (and more than likely quite a large bill) as soon as they know more.