Idle (again)

Idle (again)

Author
Discussion

keithTVR350i

Original Poster:

42 posts

263 months

Thursday 22nd August 2002
quotequote all
My 1990 350i idles at around 1000 rpm, (when I take it lower it is a little unstable). During the day things are pretty good, the fan cuts in my idle goes down to 900 rpm and I remain a happy wedge driver.
However at night with lights up I have a problem, idle goes down to 500 rpm when the fan cuts in and dies.
For some reason this happens more frequently when I am waiting to turn right and have the steering hard over !
Why doesn't the ECU compensate for the extra load on the altenator ? Does anyone have a similar problem ?
I can over come it with a 1200 rpm idle, but what a waste !!
Please any advise, thanks Keith

keithTVR350i

Original Poster:

42 posts

263 months

Friday 23rd August 2002
quotequote all
Hi Guys, Thanks for the imput. A few other condiderations for the pot, I can detect no air leaks, Co is 5.5% and I am running 4 degrees advance (any more and I pink badly). I have cleaned as many electrical contacts as possibly and have changed the plugs and leads. 1200 RPM at idle is such a waste, does anyone know what a Rover Vitesse idle should be ?
My wedge seems to run pretty well other than this glitch. I guess a rolling road tune would help ?
Keith

keithTVR350i

Original Poster:

42 posts

263 months

Monday 26th August 2002
quotequote all
Gentlemen, A further update. I have taken 2 Sheds advice and lowered the Co to 3.5 and rechecked the possible air leak situation (still can't find any !)
I now have a fairly steadly idle of 1050 which drops to 950 when the fan cuts in. Do you think advancing the ignition would be benefitial (currently 4 degrees)? Also does anyone run the full 8 degrees with unleaded ?
Thanks for the help.
Keith

keithTVR350i

Original Poster:

42 posts

263 months

Tuesday 27th August 2002
quotequote all
I will try advancing the ignition to 8 degrees and let you know what happens.
Thanks for the imput.
Keith

keithTVR350i

Original Poster:

42 posts

263 months

Monday 2nd September 2002
quotequote all
Bluewedge,
My 350 has power steering and access to the distributor retaining bolt is real easy.
What is blocking your access ?
Keith

keithTVR350i

Original Poster:

42 posts

263 months

Thursday 5th September 2002
quotequote all
Bluewedge, What year is your car ? I notice that Wedg1e
has similar difficulties but has overcome them with super dexterous spanner manoeuvers. I guess there must have been a design change for '90 spec 350i as my power steering bracket is significantly away from the distributor. I know it is a pain in the rear but can you jack the car end up and access the end of the bolt from below ?
Keith