Contunuous Stalling....can't idle

[pgttelford]

Hi all,

I'm a TVR novice so very excited about TVR ownership. Just picked up a 2000 4.0L Tuscan (Red Rose) and have encountered my first problem. I can't take my foot off the accelerator without the revs dropping below 600 and cutting out. This happens when the engine is cold or hot and even after a decent run. I took it out last night but couldn't encounter a traffic light or roundabout with it cutting out. It starts fine, seems to run fine too but it just won't idle.

I test drove the car last week and everything was ok. We performed the warm up procedure and went for drive without any problems. So it appears to be a sudden occurance.

key facts...
- 2000 Tuscan 4.0L Redrose
- 14500 miles
- At 9856 miles (Feb 2007) it had an engine strip down and rebuild, new camshaft spocket bearings, new battery, new airbox and filter.
- has done very few miles in last 2 years
- Starts fine but won't idle

Doing some research I gather it could be the following...
- Defective battery affecting ECU
- Defective crankshaft censor
- idle set tool low (don't know how this can suddenly happen)
- Defective fuel pump
- Old/degraded fuel

any further thoughts?....appreciate any ideas you might have on the most likely cause.

Cheers all
Paul

[Mark A S]

If i was you, apart from the obvious, taking it to a TVR specialist, i would turn the idle up, and see if that cures it. If after a while the idle goes up higher, then you can re adjust, and seek specialist help.
I would recommend who ever re built the engine if its not too far away for you.
As well, above idle speeds, is it smooth?, no flattish spots, etc, if not, the throttle bodies will need adjusting, which if way out will not help the idle.
Mine once decided to idle at 2k, for no apparent reason, next day it was fine, maybe you should take it out to dinner and give her a good rub down, these cars can be a bit pre menstrual!

[Avalanche]

Just got my Tuscan back from having a new clutch fitted (new clutches are so nice eh!!! so light!!!!)

However the car is now idling at 5k, almost cutting out with Code L flashing...

Where do I adjust the idle - it's just a screw around the engine somewhere, right..?

[Daston]

Avalanche said:

Just got my Tuscan back from having a new clutch fitted (new clutches are so nice eh!!! so light!!!!)

However the car is now idling at 5k, almost cutting out with Code L flashing...

Where do I adjust the idle - it's just a screw around the engine somewhere, right..?

Do you mean 5k or 500rpm?

Mine idles at 500 and get the odd error L coe before cutting out.

I think this is a symptom of a dirty/faulty sensor, possibly crank sensor.

Mine is going for its service next week so will find out what it is.

[drivingfroggy]

Sounds to me like you need a service to reset the tappet clearances. I believe the idle speed falls as the shims wear away.

[RedRose123]

I've had my tick-over adjusted several times in the last year, same symptons, can stalls when on tick-over. After an engine rebuild, it takes a bit of time to settle down, so I was told.

[Avalanche]

soz 500rpm...

maybe they got the sensor dirty in process of changing the clutch then..!
probably, the made a right mess of the interior....

[PetrolHeadPete]

try the idle adjust
It's an m6 Allen key head in line with air temp sensor plug that is on top of the airbox
Look just below the fuel rail and you'll see the throttle linkage, it's just behind that
The adjuster stop is quite exposed to elements...nearly had a pine needle stuck under the stop the other day...would have made idle very fast!

[dvs_dave]

I believe that if you adjust the throttle stop position, you need to re-set the adaptive maps in the ECU for the new idle position.

[Basil Brush]

You don't mention when it was last serviced but I'd get it booked in and checked out if not sone recently. If it has been then maybe get in touch with whoever serviced it and see if anything was picked up.

If you are going to look at the throttle stop yourself, also check all the locknuts on the screws between each throttle along the linkage. If one of them comes loose the throttles can quickly get out of sync. It happened on mine not too long ago after a service.

[Arapo]

I had the same idling issues on my Tuscan S. After picking the car up from a 12K service, it drove fine, then left it parked for a month and then the idle would go below 600 and the engine would cut out..

Took it to the garage again, and a misfire was diagnosed. New plug cables fitted, and the idle is fine again. Ask your garage to check this, you never know..

[Avalanche]

ticks over normally again now...just seems to have fixed itself..! what a car...

[Daston]

Mine turned out to be throttle bodies. Just needed a slight adjustment and all seems well.....just got to wait to pick it up

[TheGroves]

Mine did the same when the lambda sensor had a fit not long before it gave up the ghost completely. Try that if it happens again.

[wezmund]

hi just need abit of help my tusacn camshaft is worn on the exhaust valve side also the same shim is worn does this mean an engine out job or possible to do the job without taking engine out also do you know anyone who can do this or cheapest place to recomend thanks for your time

[PetrolHeadPete]

Check the speed6 forum, a thread called head refurbishment guide

[RedRose123]

I had the same issue, mine had an engine rebuild and the idle needed adjusting several times.