Discussion
Hi All,
I'm having a few problems with my Mk1 after it's winter layup.
Getting a lumpy idle and hestitation at lower RPM wich seem to go (or are masked at over 2000 rpm)
The plugs are almost new, brand new Bosch leads, new fuel filter, throttle body cleaned. I have not however adjusted the base idle yet.
My Panasonic battery went flat a few times over the winter (cold and lack of use I suppose) so I have just charged up for 5 days and it started first turn of the key. Just been out for a 30 min run and tried to start again and it wouldn't start, just got a very lazy attempt at cranking and then clicks (lights, blower etc all run though). The battery is about 3-4 years old (previous owner changed it before I bought it) but the car does not get used regularly.
Does it sound like a new battery is required? I thought it would have held charge better than it did. I didn't get the alternator light come on during my trip (it comes on as usual during start up) so I'm not sure if there is a problem there. Regarding the rough running. The fuel that is in it has been in for a couple of months so I'm not sure if it has gone "off". Is there anything else that I can try or am I looking a a new coil pack?
Thanks in advance.
I'm having a few problems with my Mk1 after it's winter layup.
Getting a lumpy idle and hestitation at lower RPM wich seem to go (or are masked at over 2000 rpm)
The plugs are almost new, brand new Bosch leads, new fuel filter, throttle body cleaned. I have not however adjusted the base idle yet.
My Panasonic battery went flat a few times over the winter (cold and lack of use I suppose) so I have just charged up for 5 days and it started first turn of the key. Just been out for a 30 min run and tried to start again and it wouldn't start, just got a very lazy attempt at cranking and then clicks (lights, blower etc all run though). The battery is about 3-4 years old (previous owner changed it before I bought it) but the car does not get used regularly.
Does it sound like a new battery is required? I thought it would have held charge better than it did. I didn't get the alternator light come on during my trip (it comes on as usual during start up) so I'm not sure if there is a problem there. Regarding the rough running. The fuel that is in it has been in for a couple of months so I'm not sure if it has gone "off". Is there anything else that I can try or am I looking a a new coil pack?
Thanks in advance.
It will be choppy at idle if the battery has been flat, while the ECU sorts itself out
You could try draining the tank and use fresh fuel. Maybe try an injector cleaner but im not sure how good these are.
Remember
Air
Fuel
Spark
Air, Check the air filter hasnt become damp or is past its life and that the airflow meter is all connected and isnt jamming.
Fuel, Youve pretty much covered apart from trying new fuel.
Spark, Pretty much covered apart from the coil packs which are expensive.
You could try draining the tank and use fresh fuel. Maybe try an injector cleaner but im not sure how good these are.
Remember
Air
Fuel
Spark
Air, Check the air filter hasnt become damp or is past its life and that the airflow meter is all connected and isnt jamming.
Fuel, Youve pretty much covered apart from trying new fuel.
Spark, Pretty much covered apart from the coil packs which are expensive.
Thanks Odie,
Strangely I put the battery back on charge until the charger said it was full....about 45 mins and the car started first time. Retraced my earlier journey, let it stand for a bit and it restarted strongly. Something to keep an eye on but I suspect a new battery is needed shortly.
I cleaned all the connectors on the coil pack with brake cleaner, checked any connections. It has eased the symptoms slightly but still get a "chug" at low revs in second and third gear. New fuel and redex next but I use redex fairly regularly (every few tanks) and only use Shell fuel so unless it has gone bad I am starting to think coil pack, and you're right, they are expensive!
Strangely I put the battery back on charge until the charger said it was full....about 45 mins and the car started first time. Retraced my earlier journey, let it stand for a bit and it restarted strongly. Something to keep an eye on but I suspect a new battery is needed shortly.
I cleaned all the connectors on the coil pack with brake cleaner, checked any connections. It has eased the symptoms slightly but still get a "chug" at low revs in second and third gear. New fuel and redex next but I use redex fairly regularly (every few tanks) and only use Shell fuel so unless it has gone bad I am starting to think coil pack, and you're right, they are expensive!
I had similar symptoms with the one I had and it turned out to be the green temp sensor at the back of the engine block. Basically it was giving no reading to the ECU when the engine was cold and not over fuelling for a cold engine. As soon as normal running temp was reached the car ran just fine. A few quid and ten minutes of my time and it was fixed.
RVVUNM said:
I had similar symptoms with the one I had and it turned out to be the green temp sensor at the back of the engine block. Basically it was giving no reading to the ECU when the engine was cold and not over fuelling for a cold engine. As soon as normal running temp was reached the car ran just fine. A few quid and ten minutes of my time and it was fixed.
Interesting. It still persistes at running temp but may be worth checking anyway. Thanks.Gassing Station | Mazda MX5/Roadster/Miata | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff