very rough idle - delay on the accelerator?

[Police State]

I went to look at a car today (renault scenic). When I started the engine it began to jump around like it was on jumping beans and when I floored the accelearator, there was an obvious delay (flat spot) right at the bottom. And, I think the gearbox/gearstick had some 'chatter' It also had noisy tappets (I don't know what this is but a mechanic friend pointed it out to me once)

The seller was completely unhelpful, so i walked away. But was left curious as to what the engine jumping/flat spot was all about? anyone have any thoughts?

[dan19evans]

maybe a faulty idle control valve? or a faulty MAP or MAF sensor possibly

[Police State]

dan19evans said:

maybe a faulty idle control valve? or a faulty MAP or MAF sensor possibly

Thanks for that Dan; I wondered what the worse case scenario could be with thos symptons?...

[dan19evans]

Police State said:

dan19evans said:

maybe a faulty idle control valve? or a faulty MAP or MAF sensor possibly

Thanks for that Dan; I wondered what the worse case scenario could be with thos symptons?...

if this was the problem (im not saying it is, just my initial thoughts) it wouldnt cause any damage to the engine, i would just run st

hope that helps