Stalling problem

[CaptainSlow]

Happens occasionally when warm as I pull up in traffic/junction the revs fall down and cause the engine to stall. Most times the revs fall but manage to recover and then climb up at idle. Any ideas?

[NeoVR]

Sounds like you need to adjust your base idle....

Just trying to dig out a link, as the one on the OC is broken.. its along the lines of joining two pins on the diagnostics port for diagnostics mode and then adjusting a screw on the intake manifold.

[heebeegeetee]

Sounds like it might be a throttle pot (potentiometer) problem to me. Do a google and you should find some info on how to check for this.

[Don Phil]

Mine does the same but never falls enough to stall, and only does it occaisionally. Cure would be useful!!

[MX-5 Lazza]

I think NeoVR has it right. Make sure the base idle is right before you consider spending any money.

[heebeegeetee]

But why would the base idle change?

[swannynhb]

heebeegeetee said:

But why would the base idle change?

if the battery has gone flat or been changed?

[GravelBen]

Base idle does need adjusting sometimes. I had a similar problem, but mine only did it on cold mornings before the engine had warmed up. Adjusting base idle helped, as did the 14° timing bump for some reason. Still did it occasionally, cleaning the idle control valve and throttle butterfly (followed by adjusting base idle again) helped a bit too.

Incidentally, cleaning the throttle butterfly also sharpened throttle response noticeably - doesn't take long, worthwhile doing IMO with older cars.

Edited by GravelBen on Sunday 18th July 13:15

[bluetone]

How to reset base idle/cure idle 'droop'.

[CaptainSlow]

ok thanks for the tips

[CaptainSlow]

ok seems to have worked thanks

[NeoVR]

I did this at the weekend and it did the job.. is there any guide to cleaning the throttle body/idle valve or is it just a case of dousing it in carb cleaner?

[Pete Franklin]

i just park the back of the car on a kerb or raise it on so that the car is pitched forward (or park on a steep hill)- detach the pipe from the throttle body, hold the throttle open / half open by hand (with the ignition off), spray about half a can of carb/ injector cleaner in there and then allow as much as possible to drain out. Re-attach the pipe, try and start the car- it will take a couple of goes and then run rough for a bit and loads of smoke will come out of the exhaust- then take the car out for about 1/2 hour to let it clear itself out. you will then probably need to drop the idle down a bit as it will likely have been upped when the system was gunged up. repeat the exercise in about 6 months and then it should be good for a few years.

Edited by Pete Franklin on Thursday 5th August 16:55