88 Turbo Irregular Idle????

[AZ88Turbo]

Hi Folks,

I just got my 88 turbo out of the shop after having the timing belt replaced and water pump rebuilt. While it was in the shop the mechanic reset the timing and mixture but now the car idles really strangely. It idles around 400rpm (just keeping above cutting out) when cold, and anywhere between 900 and 1500rpm when warm. Also when the car is not in gear the idle will suddenly drop from 1500 to 400 and back up to 1200 - 1500. When I come to a stop after driving the idle drops to almost cut out then back up, etc. etc.. The Lotus mechanic says that it has something to do with the "fuel flow valve" (disk right under the air filter that regulates the fuel/air mixture).

Has anyone had any similar problems?

Thanks,

Mark AZ88turbo

[Skerd]

I had a similar problem that also started immediately after having the timing belt replaced. It was the fuel flow valve. Does your car start the first try, or does it take a few attempts? These two problems were both fixed with the fuel flow valve fix.

[az88turbo]

It can take a couple of tries to start but it is not too bad (not as good as when I took it in though, funny how this valve just went wrong while it was in the shop don't you think?).

I think that is what they said it was; the fuel flow valve (they pointed it out as the disk underneath the air filter that opens and closes).

What did it cost to get your valve replaced? Big job?

[Skerd]

It cost $ 334, my lowest ever repair. It was composed of 1.5 hours labor, and two parts. This is after 3 failed attempts to diagnose it. Has been perfect for over a year now.

[az88turbo]

Thanks! That at least puts my mind at rest that the mechanic knows what he is doing.

[hachiroku]

wow, that's almost exactly the same problem I had a few weeks ago...
Dan

[AZ88Turbo]

Does anyone know how hard it is to do this repair and what parts are needed?

It sure is irritating when the idle keeps jumping back and forth.