Idleing and clunking
Discussion
Afternoon All
First post so please be gentle........
Have had the pleasure of owning a 1999 4.0 Chim since January, and slowly but surely getting to grips with it - cant wait for some decent summer driving weather!
However, 2 minor issues that are spoiling my fun just at present -
1) Car starts perfectly, and is fine until the engine is warm (temp gauge 80+). Then the tickover can become erratic, revving up to 1500 - 1600 rpm, or dipping and going below 500 rpm. When the revs dip, the engine can try to recover, but will often stall. This usually happens while out driving, and for example, slowing down or stopping at a junction, or while in traffic. I've read a few other idleing issue threads on here, but none that I've found so far seem to match 100%. Both lamda sensors have been replaced.
2) With the steering on full lock to the right, and usually going slowly in reverse (ie parking), I sometimes get a slight 'clunk' from what seems like the front passenger wheel.
I appreciate that TVR ownership is full of slightly strange moments, and sometimes even stranger noises, but any clues to the above would be much appreciated.
Cheers
First post so please be gentle........
Have had the pleasure of owning a 1999 4.0 Chim since January, and slowly but surely getting to grips with it - cant wait for some decent summer driving weather!
However, 2 minor issues that are spoiling my fun just at present -
1) Car starts perfectly, and is fine until the engine is warm (temp gauge 80+). Then the tickover can become erratic, revving up to 1500 - 1600 rpm, or dipping and going below 500 rpm. When the revs dip, the engine can try to recover, but will often stall. This usually happens while out driving, and for example, slowing down or stopping at a junction, or while in traffic. I've read a few other idleing issue threads on here, but none that I've found so far seem to match 100%. Both lamda sensors have been replaced.
2) With the steering on full lock to the right, and usually going slowly in reverse (ie parking), I sometimes get a slight 'clunk' from what seems like the front passenger wheel.
I appreciate that TVR ownership is full of slightly strange moments, and sometimes even stranger noises, but any clues to the above would be much appreciated.
Cheers
The Aardvark said:
2) With the steering on full lock to the right, and usually going slowly in reverse (ie parking), I sometimes get a slight 'clunk' from what seems like the front passenger wheel.
Cheers
Mine has always done this, I've been told by experts that its something to do with the short wheelbase , when on full lock the UJ's can clunk a bit when going backwards. I just turn a fraction back from full lock, no clonking.Cheers
bigdods said:
The Aardvark said:
2) With the steering on full lock to the right, and usually going slowly in reverse (ie parking), I sometimes get a slight 'clunk' from what seems like the front passenger wheel.
Cheers
Mine has always done this, I've been told by experts that its something to do with the short wheelbase , when on full lock the UJ's can clunk a bit when going backwards. I just turn a fraction back from full lock, no clonking.Cheers
The Aardvark said:
bigdods said:
The Aardvark said:
2) With the steering on full lock to the right, and usually going slowly in reverse (ie parking), I sometimes get a slight 'clunk' from what seems like the front passenger wheel.
Cheers
Mine has always done this, I've been told by experts that its something to do with the short wheelbase , when on full lock the UJ's can clunk a bit when going backwards. I just turn a fraction back from full lock, no clonking.Cheers
Does your do the gurgling when you turn the engine off? This is what mine did.
tvr5000 said:
The Aardvark said:
bigdods said:
The Aardvark said:
2) With the steering on full lock to the right, and usually going slowly in reverse (ie parking), I sometimes get a slight 'clunk' from what seems like the front passenger wheel.
Cheers
Mine has always done this, I've been told by experts that its something to do with the short wheelbase , when on full lock the UJ's can clunk a bit when going backwards. I just turn a fraction back from full lock, no clonking.Cheers
Does your do the gurgling when you turn the engine off? This is what mine did.
Then when the engine is warm, the idleing / stalling issue starts!
The Aardvark said:
tvr5000 said:
The Aardvark said:
bigdods said:
The Aardvark said:
2) With the steering on full lock to the right, and usually going slowly in reverse (ie parking), I sometimes get a slight 'clunk' from what seems like the front passenger wheel.
Cheers
Mine has always done this, I've been told by experts that its something to do with the short wheelbase , when on full lock the UJ's can clunk a bit when going backwards. I just turn a fraction back from full lock, no clonking.Cheers
Does your do the gurgling when you turn the engine off? This is what mine did.
Then when the engine is warm, the idleing / stalling issue starts!
Good to know there's a happy ending.I think we've all had the stepper motor thing. Shame there so expensive for such a small part. Just take it out and give it a clean. You should find it cures the problem for a while. It can be a bit embarrasing when so many people are watchung ya and its reving past 2k. Ya know whats going through their heads!! Even worse when it stalls. "Bloke can't even drive!!"
Good to have you on board!!
blitzracing said:
Seems to sum it up perfectly - many thanks for highlighting. As mentioned, it does seem to detract from the enjoyment of driving the car, and potentially could be dangerous if the stalling happens at the wrong moment.My problem is that I can do the basics of maintenance but to be honest most of this is above my head - will probably have to refer to someone who knows what they're doing!!
2 sMoKiN bArReLs said:
1) I've given up worrying about the idling
2) Clunk might be wheel rubbing on battery box. I didn't notice what year yours is? My 95 always rubbed.
Im glad someone else has the same problem of the n/s/f wheel rubbing on the battery box, does anyone know if this is a big problem with geometry ie has the suspension had a whack? or is it a case of they all do that sir! i now have a hole where it has worn the corner of the battery box away when on full lock, im currently replacing the front wishbones, bushes and ball joints maybe that will cure it once i have the geomtry set 2) Clunk might be wheel rubbing on battery box. I didn't notice what year yours is? My 95 always rubbed.
Hi Tony, firstly welcome to the wonderful world of TVR ownership,Now you will have to get used to smiling a lot, and getting a bit cross a little, for when things don't always go properly.
I had the same problem with erratic idle, Here is what i did......Type into Google 'Cleaning stepper motor on Chimaera' and i think its the top one listed on the first page, comes with full instructions,and lots of pictures.
I followed it to the letter and sorted out my eracticness in under half an hour.
Try it,you have nothing to loose.
Dave
I had the same problem with erratic idle, Here is what i did......Type into Google 'Cleaning stepper motor on Chimaera' and i think its the top one listed on the first page, comes with full instructions,and lots of pictures.
I followed it to the letter and sorted out my eracticness in under half an hour.
Try it,you have nothing to loose.
Dave
rctonka said:
2 sMoKiN bArReLs said:
1) I've given up worrying about the idling
2) Clunk might be wheel rubbing on battery box. I didn't notice what year yours is? My 95 always rubbed.
Im glad someone else has the same problem of the n/s/f wheel rubbing on the battery box, does anyone know if this is a big problem with geometry ie has the suspension had a whack? or is it a case of they all do that sir! i now have a hole where it has worn the corner of the battery box away when on full lock, im currently replacing the front wishbones, bushes and ball joints maybe that will cure it once i have the geomtry set 2) Clunk might be wheel rubbing on battery box. I didn't notice what year yours is? My 95 always rubbed.
Looking back over the service history (Fernhurst mainly) seems like the idleing may have been an issue for a while - looks like they reported in May 2006 that due to hunting and stalling, engine was road tested, checked for faults on PDL Diagnostic tester (6 were picked up, Lamda A, Lamda B, Bank A rich, Bank B rich, Air Flow Meter and Throttle Voltage). Road tested again and faults returned. Both lamda sensors replaced which cured rich banks and cleared logged faults. Suspect stepper motor was replaced due to hunting (no good) so original was refitted. Stepper motor was cleaned, replaced and connectors in the plug to stepper motor checked. Badly choked spark plugs replaced.
Then in Feb 2007 - to run ECU through PDL diagnostic check. To strip and clean out air flow system and fit new air filter. Base idle speed adjusted and new spark plugs fitted. Stepper motor removed and cleaned.
Probably clutching at straws, but seems to be a very specific issue - was really just wondering whether anyone out there had had the identical problem and whether they had managed to cure it. Cant believe that it cant be cured somehow and as mentioned, is currently holding me back from really enjoying the car. Quick fix obviously of just tapping the accelerator when it feels like its about to stall but not always possible........
Then in Feb 2007 - to run ECU through PDL diagnostic check. To strip and clean out air flow system and fit new air filter. Base idle speed adjusted and new spark plugs fitted. Stepper motor removed and cleaned.
Probably clutching at straws, but seems to be a very specific issue - was really just wondering whether anyone out there had had the identical problem and whether they had managed to cure it. Cant believe that it cant be cured somehow and as mentioned, is currently holding me back from really enjoying the car. Quick fix obviously of just tapping the accelerator when it feels like its about to stall but not always possible........
You can run without stepper motor control if its that much of a problem. There is a couple of ways of doing it. You can simply disconnect the stepper when the idle is steady, or better you can block the airfeed pipe to the stepper, and then wind the base idle screw up to give a tickover of about 950 rpm when hot. (This is a bit higher than normal). The car will not idle when stone cold, so you have to hold it on the throttle for about 30 seconds when you first start, but the slightly higher tickover will help keep it running. Another option is to put a 6mm diameter restrictor in the air feed pipe ( Like a bit of 1/4 " fuel line bulked out with insulation tape). This allows the stepper to work, but limits its upper RPM so it does not cycle so badly. If it still dies, its likely you have some fundimental problem like ignition, or incorrect fueling (Like pressure).
Mark
Mark
Thanks Mark - this is really helpful.
As mentioned yesterday, I'm not that mechanically minded so will probably refer upwards. Seems that with what is essentially a fairly straightforward engine, there must be a fix somewhere. Just was trying to obtain other members ideas bearing in mind it only seems to happen when up to temperature / on the verge of being too hot.
Hopefully get sorted before the scorching summer arrives!!!!!
As mentioned yesterday, I'm not that mechanically minded so will probably refer upwards. Seems that with what is essentially a fairly straightforward engine, there must be a fix somewhere. Just was trying to obtain other members ideas bearing in mind it only seems to happen when up to temperature / on the verge of being too hot.
Hopefully get sorted before the scorching summer arrives!!!!!
Dear The Aadvark,
Seems like TVRs must be a lot of work to own. Sounds like you have a friendly and helpful crowd on this Gassing Station though. I wish you success very soon to all this idleing/clunking/gurgling business.
Fortunately, my Lotus Elise has been a pleasure to own and drive - although I have to admit that current family commitments give me less time than I'd like at present, to experience the wind in my hair and the rain through my roof etc... and I do have a flat battery as well, right now.
So maybe we are two of a kind, after all....
Warm Regards,
Flatbattery.
Seems like TVRs must be a lot of work to own. Sounds like you have a friendly and helpful crowd on this Gassing Station though. I wish you success very soon to all this idleing/clunking/gurgling business.
Fortunately, my Lotus Elise has been a pleasure to own and drive - although I have to admit that current family commitments give me less time than I'd like at present, to experience the wind in my hair and the rain through my roof etc... and I do have a flat battery as well, right now.
So maybe we are two of a kind, after all....
Warm Regards,
Flatbattery.
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