Smooth Operator
Discussion
OK - so I'm a month into TVR ownership, and so far I'm lovin' it. The cynics (or realists) amongst you will probably tell me all that will change - probably when I least expect it - but meanwhile, I will maintain my grin and enjoy owning a real car.
I was fortunate in buying a well cared-for S3 from @Griffinr, and so far I've been able to enjoy some great roof-off summer runs around the nether-reaches of Lincolnshire. However, nothing's perfect and I can't resist the temptation to fiddle, with a little bit of prodding, poking and cleaning just to see exactly what I've let myself in for.
One thing I have noticed was a dip in the engine rev's when asking for gas from idle, or at low rev's. However, @Griffinr supplied an impressive folder of stuff with the car which included an article from a 1990's edition of 'Car Mechanics'. This covered the Ford EFI system and being quite sad, I sat and read it in bed this morning. Previously believing that EMU's are basically evil, a lot of things began to make sense and I decreed an afternoon of fiddling - with impressive results.
This is probably old-hat to many of you, but to anyone who might not consider themselves to be too competent at engine stuff - take heart, because with basic tools, careful application of caustic soda and WD40, I have transformed the performance of my S3.
The Car Mechanics article talked about 'cleaning the throttle body'. However, with no carburettor in sight, I wasn't too sure what this was, but with a quick visit to Google, a bit of logic, two jubilee clips and six bolts later, the offending bit of engine was on the workbench. It looked filthy inside and out. It also looked remotely familiar, with two butterfly valves and a couple of springs and a spindle. So, I stripped it down and began cleaning. There's also some sort of gizmo which senses the throttle position - this was crusty and seemed a bit sticky, so it go a seeing to as well.
Happy with the new shiny version, I put it back together and noticed some other wizzardry which is apparently an 'idle control valve'. Right. That was coming off as well (anyone know it there should be a gasket between this and the throttle housing?). Cleaned with a wire brush, WD40, scotchbrite pad and a cloth. Lovely. Smear of Red Hermetite forgood luck and clag that back on as well.
Wow! What a transformation. Engine fires up immediately and idles smoothly. Blip the throttle? Yup, that works now - cat exits garden an 30,000 feet and neighbour's children run for cover. Test run needed - what a difference - smooth acceleration, no 'pop' from exhaust on overrun and smooth tickover.,
Right. Tappets next. What's that all about......
I was fortunate in buying a well cared-for S3 from @Griffinr, and so far I've been able to enjoy some great roof-off summer runs around the nether-reaches of Lincolnshire. However, nothing's perfect and I can't resist the temptation to fiddle, with a little bit of prodding, poking and cleaning just to see exactly what I've let myself in for.
One thing I have noticed was a dip in the engine rev's when asking for gas from idle, or at low rev's. However, @Griffinr supplied an impressive folder of stuff with the car which included an article from a 1990's edition of 'Car Mechanics'. This covered the Ford EFI system and being quite sad, I sat and read it in bed this morning. Previously believing that EMU's are basically evil, a lot of things began to make sense and I decreed an afternoon of fiddling - with impressive results.
This is probably old-hat to many of you, but to anyone who might not consider themselves to be too competent at engine stuff - take heart, because with basic tools, careful application of caustic soda and WD40, I have transformed the performance of my S3.
The Car Mechanics article talked about 'cleaning the throttle body'. However, with no carburettor in sight, I wasn't too sure what this was, but with a quick visit to Google, a bit of logic, two jubilee clips and six bolts later, the offending bit of engine was on the workbench. It looked filthy inside and out. It also looked remotely familiar, with two butterfly valves and a couple of springs and a spindle. So, I stripped it down and began cleaning. There's also some sort of gizmo which senses the throttle position - this was crusty and seemed a bit sticky, so it go a seeing to as well.
Happy with the new shiny version, I put it back together and noticed some other wizzardry which is apparently an 'idle control valve'. Right. That was coming off as well (anyone know it there should be a gasket between this and the throttle housing?). Cleaned with a wire brush, WD40, scotchbrite pad and a cloth. Lovely. Smear of Red Hermetite forgood luck and clag that back on as well.
Wow! What a transformation. Engine fires up immediately and idles smoothly. Blip the throttle? Yup, that works now - cat exits garden an 30,000 feet and neighbour's children run for cover. Test run needed - what a difference - smooth acceleration, no 'pop' from exhaust on overrun and smooth tickover.,
Right. Tappets next. What's that all about......
Hi Chris and welcome to TVR ownership!
You appear to be made of the 'right stuff' and are not afraid to get stuck in and investigate, well done!
Having cleaned the gunk from the throttle body, TPS (throttle position sensor), and ICV (idle control valve) and have seen an improvement on idle and acceleration response (and scared the local wildlife) I would recommend leaving it at that for the moment as you have used all your lucky charm for this month so drive it and enjoy!!
Next full moon when the stars are aligned, you may wish to chance the removal of all the various components in the way to enable removal of the rocker covers!!!! Get back to us when you feel lucky!!!
You appear to be made of the 'right stuff' and are not afraid to get stuck in and investigate, well done!
Having cleaned the gunk from the throttle body, TPS (throttle position sensor), and ICV (idle control valve) and have seen an improvement on idle and acceleration response (and scared the local wildlife) I would recommend leaving it at that for the moment as you have used all your lucky charm for this month so drive it and enjoy!!
Next full moon when the stars are aligned, you may wish to chance the removal of all the various components in the way to enable removal of the rocker covers!!!! Get back to us when you feel lucky!!!
Hi Chris, glad you're enjoying the car, it's probably 8 years since the throttle body was off so due a good clean. It had terrible idle problems when I bought it which took a while to sort. Must admit I quite liked the exhaust pops on over run though. The cats and neighbours get used to the noise eventually, the only complaint I had was after I stopped leaving home at 6:30 in the morning a one of them overslept.
Rob.
Rob.
As you suggest there should be a gasket between the idle control valve and the plenum. I used to make one from a corn flakes packet or similar and put a little vaseline on each side of it; that seemed to work fine. Think I made a tracing from the valve when off and then made a gasket to fit and also a spare one so it was ready for the next time as it does help to clean the idle control vaslve every now and then.
Jim
Jim
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