Slow speed surging
Discussion
Having only had my chim 450 for under 3 weeks, I'm not too sure about the general running quirks these cars may have. However, I've noticed that when slowly crawling forwards in traffic, around 10-20mph in First or Second gear, the engine will start a regular, repetitive surging forwards, until I depress the clutch or take it out of gear. Is this normal?
The only other car I've ever experienced this with was my Series 2 Landy....... !
I've done a quick search of previous posts and see that engine surging may be attributed to a dirty stepper motor. I know for a fact mine is sparklingly clean, having looked at it 3 weeks ago. And I think this would only affect stationary engine idling, not necessarily when it's moving??
Any ideas?
(Perhaps my car trying to tell me it prefers very high speeds!)
Sena
The only other car I've ever experienced this with was my Series 2 Landy....... !
I've done a quick search of previous posts and see that engine surging may be attributed to a dirty stepper motor. I know for a fact mine is sparklingly clean, having looked at it 3 weeks ago. And I think this would only affect stationary engine idling, not necessarily when it's moving??
Any ideas?
(Perhaps my car trying to tell me it prefers very high speeds!)
Sena
As you're Surrey based it may be worth giving David Batty a call (01483 811995). He's a TVR specialist and owns "The Garage" near Guildford.
I spoke to David as I have similar symptoms in that in traffic when in first or second gear at around the 20 mph mark the car lurches forward. This problem goes when accelarating harder or if the car is going at speeds over 20mph. Further the problem disappears when in neutral or clutch engaged. I will know more after David has a good look at the car.
in the interim I would hate to speculate as to the possible causes of the symptoms you have described as there will probably be a number of different problems that reveal themselves through the same symptoms.
Given that you have only owned the car a short space of time (and in the absence of being main dealer supplied) then a trip to David's for a health check may be wise in any case.
Regards,
N
edited to add: PS - I don't think it's normal for chimaeras to lurch.
>> Edited by trinitycall on Wednesday 6th July 14:36
Big Al. said:
So when you depress the cluch does it still surge?
or to put it another way is your idle speed static? or does it pulse up and down?
The stationary idle speed it perfectly static - very smooth. What I'm getting is when the car is in motion, at around 1000 / 1500rpm, and stops when the clutch is depressed.
In fact, it's exactly as Nick mentioned his is doing. Can't remember whether it does this in 4th or not.
Actually being looked at this afternoon, but if my bloke (Thames Valley Motorsport) can't suss it I'll contact your man David Batty.
Thanks for the tips chaps!
Sena
Hi Sena,
This is exactly why I have been advised to go for the Mark Adams Chip. (See the thread I have started). It re-maps (more efficienty) the way the engine runs and behaves generally, making it better at low speeds in traffic and reducing the kangarooing that you mention. Incidentally my Chim is also a 450, probably not relevant but who knows? I was recommended down this route by Tower View Racing (Staples Corner, North London) and they also recommended getting the upgraded injectors, although the standard ones could be used if this was not affordable in one hit! They have quoted me around £ 350.00 for that.
I would recommend you speak with them, as my aim is to make the car as civilised as possible as I use it almost every day, rain or shine.
This is exactly why I have been advised to go for the Mark Adams Chip. (See the thread I have started). It re-maps (more efficienty) the way the engine runs and behaves generally, making it better at low speeds in traffic and reducing the kangarooing that you mention. Incidentally my Chim is also a 450, probably not relevant but who knows? I was recommended down this route by Tower View Racing (Staples Corner, North London) and they also recommended getting the upgraded injectors, although the standard ones could be used if this was not affordable in one hit! They have quoted me around £ 350.00 for that.
I would recommend you speak with them, as my aim is to make the car as civilised as possible as I use it almost every day, rain or shine.
cerby4.5 said:
Hi Sena,
This is exactly why I have been advised to go for the Mark Adams Chip. (See the thread I have started). It re-maps (more efficienty) the way the engine runs and behaves generally, making it better at low speeds in traffic and reducing the kangarooing that you mention. Incidentally my Chim is also a 450, probably not relevant but who knows? I was recommended down this route by Tower View Racing (Staples Corner, North London) and they also recommended getting the upgraded injectors, although the standard ones could be used if this was not affordable in one hit! They have quoted me around £ 350.00 for that.
I would recommend you speak with them, as my aim is to make the car as civilised as possible as I use it almost every day, rain or shine.
Seconded about the MA chip...had this problem of surging/lumpyness before and it was driving me nuts in traffic. An afternoon with Mark and all is 85% better. An interesting day out too!
Went to Cheltenham and had the chip thing done a few weeks ago. The Low speed probs with the MC2 cam were doing my nut. Good day out, nice chap, learnt a few things. Wish I hadn't had the cam done really though, or rather, I wish the negatives were pointed out to me as well as the positives.
Re. chipping, my chim (a 5L) gained particularly in the higher registers. Prior to the chip she ran out of breathing above 5k. After the chip she rev'd straight through to 6k. General thinking is that the 5Ls tend to run lean. It's not cheap but there is a noticeable difference when it's done. You don't gain much in terms of resale value, so if you intend to do it, get it done as soon as you can to get max. enjoyment for your £s.
Steve.
Steve.
cerby4.5 said:
Hi Sena,
This is exactly why I have been advised to go for the Mark Adams Chip. (See the thread I have started). It re-maps (more efficienty) the way the engine runs and behaves generally, making it better at low speeds in traffic and reducing the kangarooing that you mention. Incidentally my Chim is also a 450, probably not relevant but who knows? I was recommended down this route by Tower View Racing (Staples Corner, North London) and they also recommended getting the upgraded injectors, although the standard ones could be used if this was not affordable in one hit! They have quoted me around £ 350.00 for that.
I would recommend you speak with them, as my aim is to make the car as civilised as possible as I use it almost every day, rain or shine.
Thanks Scott - Interesting piece of advice. I had wondered whether to do it anyway (more speed the better!!) so if my car comes back from Thames Valley Motorsport with no attributable faults for this surging, I'll most definitely consider it. So you reckon about £350 to get it done?
Would be interesting to work out if this 'surging' is more common in 450's and 500's....
Sena
Hughesie2 said:
Is it not Drive train Surge, is so, most of them do that sir...
Well my 500 does, not as common on 4.5's though i'm led to believe...
Hi, from what I understand the Drive Train surge happens when accelerating and particularly decelerating - unless I'm way wrong - because of the shortness of the drive shaft? My issue is with slow, gentle pottering along in traffic, with little or no accelaration/deceleration, so I'm doubting it's the drive train...
Thanks for the help tho'!
S.
Hiya
I am not sure of the correct term or the route cause, I just found that the symptoms I am experiencing were the same as you had described, and that the chip was the immediate answer given by Tower View as an appropriate enhancement and cure! I am not a mechanic by any stretch, but I do seem to have a good awareness of when something is 'right' or 'not right' with my cars. I am sutre that it will make the driveability of the car in traffic at low speeds considerably better, which for me will be a plus as I live and work in London and am regularly stuck in traffic queues!
Hope that you get the result you are after!
Scott
I am not sure of the correct term or the route cause, I just found that the symptoms I am experiencing were the same as you had described, and that the chip was the immediate answer given by Tower View as an appropriate enhancement and cure! I am not a mechanic by any stretch, but I do seem to have a good awareness of when something is 'right' or 'not right' with my cars. I am sutre that it will make the driveability of the car in traffic at low speeds considerably better, which for me will be a plus as I live and work in London and am regularly stuck in traffic queues!
Hope that you get the result you are after!
Scott
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