Engine help please

[TheLurker]

Mate has a S reg corsa with the small (1 or 1.2L) petrol engine in it. He called me up the other day to say that it had cut out on him and could I have a look.

I was passing and so had a quick butchers but had no tools with me so was limited. It seems to be hunting when idling but OK when revved, it is also difficult to start.

The coil pack is working OK, but haven't checked the spark plugs. Air filter is clean etc. There was almost no oil in it and the coolant was very low ("but I had it serviced last year - shouldn't they have told me?"). I cant see any obvious signs of a leak.

Any one any ideas as to what it could be? I'm having a better look at it this afternoon.

[marshalla]

Check alternator and battery.

[TheLurker]

It seemed to turn over OK, but will do. Thanks.

[marshalla]

TheLurker said:

It seemed to turn over OK, but will do. Thanks.

Yeah - I had one like that. It would start and run for a while, but then started misfiring and cut out because the alternator had gone.

[Diffy]

Idle control valve.

[TheLurker]

Diffy said:

Idle control valve.

It seems to have a type of carb on it. I guess that it will be around there somewhere? Not touched a carb before!

[TheLurker]

marshalla said:

Yeah - I had one like that. It would start and run for a while, but then started misfiring and cut out because the alternator had gone.

Will give it a look then!

At least with these there is so little in the engine bay its easy to the at every thing.

[Fish981]

Crankshaft position sensor is very common on these.

Underneath at the back of the engine. Probably seized into the block by now.

Oh and it's not a carb, it's single point injection.

[TheLurker]

Thanks. Will have a look at that.

[Dontlift]

Fish981 said:

Oh and it's not a carb, it's single point injection.

Nothing bloody worse

[TheLurker]

Have had another look. The alternator and battery seem fine. Spark plugs are all OK.

Current thoughts are that it could be the air temp sensor, but couldn't see one on it. I spent most of my time sorting out coolant and oil leaks.

Anyone got any ideas of what it could be?