Trouble starting - 1.6 with MS Labs Basic MS3
 

Hi all,


I'm just getting into engine tuning with MS and I'm really drinking from the fire hose! I have been doing a lot of research and I'm very excited.


I'm starting this thread to document my crank-but-no-start issue.


Here are some quick parameters:

• 1.6 Miata, stock wire harness & coil pack
  
• MS Labs Basic MS3 plug-and-play for 1990-1993 Miata
  
• GM IAT sensor
  
• Wideband (confirmed TunerStudio is receiving signal)
  
• Flyin Miata variable TPS (confirmed it is calibrated is TunerStudio)
  

Here is my issue.


I followed the super easy basic setup instructions from MS Labs. Everything worked great, up until the Set Base Timing stage. Prior to installing the MS, the car was set up for 8 degrees (retarded to run BEGI-S turbo with mechanical FMU).


I set the Fixed timing to 10. I tried Cranking Advance from 0 to 10. It would crank and almost turn over & catch, but not quite.


Unfortunately, the car battery voltage got too low before I was able to pull the Composite Log. I will do this ASAP and post here.


Once the battery died, I did some more digging in the Basic Fuel settings. I found that the base map was for some reason set up for 1.8 liter, with 240cc injectors. My car is 1.6 liter, with stock 205cc injectors. I went ahead and changed this in the Calculate Required Fuel table, and it gave a new Required Fuel value.


Is it possible that this is the cause of the no-start? Does the MS think that the injectors are bigger, and therefore is pumping less fuel than needed? Is it maybe a combination of this and really off ignition timing?


I appreciate any feedback while I try to learn as much as possible. I will post pics & hopefully Composite Log shortly.

Update. I charged the battery and ran a Composite Log while cranking.

I believe I am not getting Cam signal. There is no green line. Am I interpreting this correctly?

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...2084191308.jpg


See the Ignition settings below..

Note that originally the Spark Mode was set to 99-05 Miata. I changed this to 4G63. Also, the Cam Input was set to JS10. I changed this to MS3X Cam in.

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...39c85bfee3.jpg


Also attached are Fuel settings and Crank settings.


https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...2598a06234.jpg

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...1b42ce9481.jpg



Please help with any suggestions! Let me know if I can run some other tests as well.

Correct no cam. I’ve got a ‘93 with a Ms3 basic, running with cam in at JS10, not sure why you changed it?

JS10 for all Basic MS3s. Did you buy this used or new from a dealer. Serial number?

Thank you! I got this 2nd hand from a gentleman who said he never installed it. Serial number is: 12341

I have cam signal now. New Composite Log after cranking. Maybe a tiny bit of sputter after 10 seconds of cranking. Smells a bit of fuel so I'm pretty confident in the fueling.

Any suggestions on what I should check for next?

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...592eff4a48.jpg

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...b0ea0652cc.png

Sounds like too much fuel to me

Interesting - what makes you think that's the case? Are there any tests I can run to check fueling?

I will post a video of the gauges while cranking today to help diagnose.

Based off of what I have read in previous starting issue threads, if the car starts briefly then stalls and you can smell fuel, its usually caused by too much fuel. You could try starting the car in flood clear mode and see how that goes

Thanks, I will try cranking with flood clear mode (my TPS is calibrated and set to flood clear mode over 70%, so I'm assuming just flooring it while cranking should do the trick?)

The car doesn't really start at all. The most I have gotten is a half-hearted sputter after 10 seconds of cranking.

Update.

I got the car to start! Looks like it was an ignition issue. I changed "Rising Edge" to "Falling Edge" and it started right up and idles OK.

Here's a picture of the ignition settings:


https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mia...e2c7bd371c.jpg

I will now set the base timing.

Thanks for all the suggestions so far! I really appreciate it.