u/lagavulin16yr

I have a 1997 Rover MPI. Very well looked after, all original under the hood as far as I can tell. Which means I’m inevitably gonna to get into problems…

Today it decided to not start. It was fine every other day until today. Head scratcher. The starter was cranking but would not fire up.

Figured fuel pump is shot or some other electrical issue, very random.

So I do some investigating and then tried it again an hour later and it started beautifully.

The difference? The temperature - it was hot before, but now it’s cooler. Hot, no start… cool now, starts fine.

So, there’s a gremlin to figure out, but I wonder: What have folks done to modernize their MPI’s to avoid such randomness and give some stability?

What should I start replacing? 🫣

Hey all, I come from the classic GM/Chevy world where there is a huge aftermarket industry for modernizing and upgrading your old Chevy's. Naively I thought it'd be the same for classic Minis.

I'm starting to struggle early in my adventures, where I'm finding little aftermarket or replacement parts for things like ignition locks, factory air conditioning, serpentine accessories, etc, getting replies from retailers with "Unfortunately, this part doesn't have an aftermarket alternative and the original is no longer supplied."

How do y'all modernize and upgrade your old Mini components in this environment? 😄

Do you find a refurbisher for original parts? Swap meets? Am I just SOL when it comes to some parts?

Hello, it feels like the key is almost worn down and it might be easier to just replace the ignition barrel - has anyone done this on 1997 era Minis? Where'd your source your parts? Cheers!