Thanks for the offer on the maf. I'll have a new one tomorrow.
I know a failing mad will cause issues, but I have always thought that if unplugged it will run. But mine won't... That what has me perplexed.

I would think that if coil, plugs, wires etc were bad it would have trouble starting.

Here's another question.

Since my son cleared the codes, would the computer not be able to go to a "default" value?

 

It should get the default MAF settings once the ECU detected nothing from the MAF.

 

spark plugs CPS or electronics got wet .. would let it dry out first ..

 

I was thinking cps also...

Gotta watch how deep....once it hits the air box it can be game over.

 

i saw the video his friend was taking.. no where near the airbox. just over rocker panels.

If the CPS was faulting would it not be hard to start? I thought about that too, but it starts so easily when i hit the key, i ruled it out. From my experience with CPS failures on other makes, when it goes, its a no start or very hard starting situation.

it the rover going to be different?

 

Installed a new MAF today and as i expected... no difference.

i also pulled the hose off the intake side of the IAC to see if it was sticking.. I was trying to bypass the IAC to make sure it wasn't getting "choked out"

Same scenerio,

starts fine runs up to 1500 rpm then dies.

 

And if you give it any throttle it dies? CPS = would never start. Also it runs & dies with zero codes? What about any pending codes?

 

there has been no change in the last few days.

When i turn the key it turns over and starts. the rpm's immediately go up to about 1500 like they always have then it dies.

if i give it gas while starting it will run for a second or two longer but then dies, usually with a slight backfire pop sound.

if i keep the key turned and continue the engine rotating, it stumbles and pops, like the timing is off.

 

Get the free fuel pressure tester at Oreilly, watch the fuel pressure after it starts. Or, jumper the fuel pump relay connector so it runs all the time just to make sure you have fuel pressure. Sounds like a lack of appropriate signal is cutting fuel, probably CPS. Given the water situation you might consider disconnecting the connector, spray it with wd-40 and put dielectric grease on it. I almost never hear of the cam position sensor going bad or causing running problems, but you might want to do it too.

 

I appreciate the help

So here the latest.

Replaced the MAF today and no change.

i tried starting fluid in the intake, nothing, so i think spark..

When my son got home we put in an inline tester on all the plugs, the tester fired on all plugs, nice rythmic pulses.....

So i think maybe not breathing, check the IAC, and it appears to open and close without sticking when starting.

i think maybe compression,
1 175
3 175
5 170
7 170

2 160
4 160
6 150
8 160

all the plugs were black.. i knew because of the o2 sensors it has been running rich..

so i have compression, and power to the plugs, so coils are good and energizing.

but wouldn't run on starting fluid....