Engine fires up, but cuts out.

[Cockey]

Hi

Since owning the car the idle speed has always been rather high - on average about 1,000 rpm.

It had a 12k service last week and since picking it up I've noticed they've sorted this out as it now idles around 700rpm. Sometimes a bit less (I've seen 500rpm occasionally).

The problem I am having seems to come about when the engine is cold. Past few mornings I've gone to start the car, and whilst it fires immediately as it always has done, it only runs for a few seconds before cutting out. Doesn't seem to matter how many times I restart, or even if I give it a few revs to help it along, it cuts out as soon as I lift off the accelerator.

The strange thing is, as soon as I start to move the problem goes away. By the time I've driven 10 metres, I can come to a stop and the car will not cut out any more.

I would run it back to the garage which did the service, however it's 3 hours drive away so I'm a little reluctant too. Is there anything I could be checking by myself?

Cheers

[Cockey]

Ah, that sounds like it could be it!

If anyone knows how to do this please let me know.

Thanks a lot.

[Cockey]

That's a good thought, but I actually don't have air-con so can't be that.

I've read that there is a little screw which can be turned to adjust the idle speed. Just need to work out where it is!

[Cockey]

Thanks very much for that.

Graham Varley's Excellent Sagaris Website said:

Adjust at centre between 3 & 4 under the fuel rail the lower grub screw of the two is the idle screw with a locknut on it, gently push against the spring to see the increase in idle revs and see the correct one for adjustment. Firstly clean the airbox, pipes and throttle bodies as this can effect cold idle; With engine stopped and cold loosen 8mm locknut and start engine and check idle rpm, set by adjusting grub screw to 750-800 cold, this should be about 850-950rpm when hot, tighten locknut. The idle can become lower between service intervals as the tappets clearance reduces.

Is this the idle screw?

[Cockey]

Don't worry, I'm sure I will find it. Cheers!

[Cockey]

I never lowered it - the garage must have when they did a 12k service.

[Cockey]

Just done it! Really easy and now the car isn't cutting out when I start it cold.

Thanks guys!