Misbehaving!

[dannyboyo]

Over the last few days (worse today though), my baby ('95 4.0 Chimaera) has been running rough. It started with it sounding like (and probably was) it was only running on 7 cylinders upto 2000rpm. Then it would kick in and started pulling like it should. Then this morning it was fine, drove like a beauty.

The car having spent all day (dry) in an underground car park, started fine tonight, and after 10 mins of driving back came the 7 cylinders, this time right the way though the rev range. I should say at this point it was absolutely p**sing it down on the way home. But I've been in worse rain and she's been fine.

I have guessed this is an ignition problem! A couple of days ago, I did give the stepper motor, cap and rotor a clean, but it had ran smooth for a couple of days after, so I'm guessing I didn't b**ger anything.

Basically, I just want confirmation that the next thing I should do is buy some plugs, leads, cap and rotor arm, and that I've not got anything to worry about!! And would welcome and other things I could do, or hear from other people that have had similar.

Apart from you guys, I'm kinda on my own in the TVR world, and cak it everytime somethings amiss with my baby. Thanks

[purple_throbber]

could be as simple as a knackered ht lead or spark plug, especially as it seems to go as you put the power down.

[trefor]

I suspect the last owner will have changed the leads at some point in the recent past. Take off the leads one at a time and check the connections to the dizzy cap and the plug extender thingy (which should itself be fitted snugly to the plug). Either a lead connection or an extender could be loose.

Of course your problem could be something else entirely. 30mins at a TVR specialist will probably have it sorted out for you ...

[ribol]

I would start with the leads. This may sound like a daft suggestion but have you ever looked under the bonnet in the dark with the engine running when it is mucking about? It may well look like down the road from the TVR factory and help diagnose your problem!

Ivan

[hut49]

I'd definitely check the plug extensions. They can work loose and lie against the exhaust and inevitably the insulation is jeopardized by the heat. Checking in the dark as suggested is a good way to see any errant sparks.

I think I'd avoid the expense of replacing all the plugs and leads until I'd tracked down the source of the problem.

Hutch

[robertp]

I agree with above - had a similar problem and after a bit of head scratching decided to run the engine in dark garage - hey presto! blue sparks visible jumping from a lead to the manifold - resecured lead and perfect running again!

[GarryM]

An alternative is the fuel supply. I had a similar sounding problem and it proved difficult to identify the cause. It was thought to be electrical as has been suggested here (and may very well be in your case) but after changing plugs, leads etc the problem was still there for me. Cleaning the injectors solved it. You might try a fuel additive before spending money on the other stuff.

[dannyboyo]

Cheers lads, I got it sorted, it's seems as though it was a water logged and dirty spark plug extension thingy on cylinder 6. Simple i know, but I thought i checked them all last week, must have missed that one. Phew, anyway!! Gonna give her a good clean and wax tomorrow to celebrate!!!