Discussion
My car just started sputtering today through all gears and even when not at load ... I dont know whats going on. I think it may be the fuel filter, but I dont know where it is located. If you have any idea what this could be and or where the fuel filter is please let me know. Thxs!
AL
>>> Edited by V8TT on Friday 19th March 02:49
AL
>>> Edited by V8TT on Friday 19th March 02:49
V8TT said:
My car just started sputtering today through all gears and even when not at load ... I dont know whats going on. I think it may be the fuel filter, but I dont know where it is located. If you have any idea what this could be and or where the fuel filter is please let me know. Thxs!
AL
>>> Edited by V8TT on Friday 19th March 02:49
AL,
Check all connectors and vacuum lines for possible looseness/disconnection. Check to see that throttle cable isn't loose and that you can get WOT. Check all plug wires at the plugs and coil pak and pull a plug to check condition. Don't start the car until you've ruled out a timing belt problem. Disconnect the battery for a couple minutes, then reconnect and start the car, this resets the ECU. Car will idle/run somewhat poorly for up to 30 miles as the ECU re-learns. These are things you can do/rule out easily before proceeding to the next step should the problem not be solved. Happy Motoring! ...Jim'85TE
>> Edited by lotusguy on Friday 19th March 02:57
lotusguy said:
My car just started sputtering today through all gears and even when not at load ... I dont know whats going on. I think it may be the fuel filter, but I dont know where it is located. If you have any idea what this could be and or where the fuel filter is please let me know. Thxs!
AL
>>> Edited by V8TT on Friday 19th March 02:49
AL,
Check all connectors and vacuum lines for possible looseness/disconnection. Check to see that throttle cable isn't loose and that you can get WOT. Check all plug wires at the plugs and coil pak and pull a plug to check condition. Don't start the car until you've ruled out a timing belt problem. Disconnect the battery for a couple minutes, then reconnect and start the car, this resets the ECU. Car will idle/run somewhat poorly for up to 30 miles as the ECU re-learns. These are things you can do/rule out easily before proceeding to the next step should the problem not be solved. Happy Motoring! ...Jim'85TE
>> Edited by lotusguy on Friday 19th March 02:57
I did the ECU resetting already ... it seems as though it got worse. The car will rev fine, but its as though its being choked when you give it any ammount of throttle. May it be that the ECU is still trying to adjust ... I only drove it for 8 miles at most. And lastly how do I know if its the timing belt ??? Thanks!
AL
Al,
First, how many miles are on your V8? Timing belt services are covered by LCU in the US for 8 years or 80K miles and must be done at the dealer as the job requires a fair amount of special tools and a clavis gauge (and about 4 hours of time). It's unlikely this would be a problem in most cases. In general, timing belt services are done around 12K intervals.
I can't recall where the fuel filter is located and my manual is at the house (and I'm in South Africa), but unless you have quite a few miles on it or have been getting really bad quality fuel this shouldn't be an issue. I would check the vacuum lines on the engine for any cracks and/or leaks and check the fuel regulator which is located on the left side of the motor near the front just under the plenum.... be sure to check the lines that go underneath as well. If you think you are not getting sufficient fuel pressure, you can attach a pressure gauge to the fuel rail valve which is located on the front right side of the motor just below the plenum.
As for resetting the ECM, it's best to unplug the 5-amp fuse at B2 for about 20 minutes or so... disconnecting the battery is usually not a good idea on the V8 as the alarm will go off. Once the ECM is reset, you should start it and let it idle for about 20 minutes to allow the ECM to learn the idle pattern, then repeat with the A/C on (note: the cooling fans will cycle with A/C off and be on continuously with A/C on). Beyond this, it usually takes a good 20 miles of driving so the ECM can build it's own map.
Did the problem start suddenly or develop over time?
Regards, KM
2000 V8
First, how many miles are on your V8? Timing belt services are covered by LCU in the US for 8 years or 80K miles and must be done at the dealer as the job requires a fair amount of special tools and a clavis gauge (and about 4 hours of time). It's unlikely this would be a problem in most cases. In general, timing belt services are done around 12K intervals.
I can't recall where the fuel filter is located and my manual is at the house (and I'm in South Africa), but unless you have quite a few miles on it or have been getting really bad quality fuel this shouldn't be an issue. I would check the vacuum lines on the engine for any cracks and/or leaks and check the fuel regulator which is located on the left side of the motor near the front just under the plenum.... be sure to check the lines that go underneath as well. If you think you are not getting sufficient fuel pressure, you can attach a pressure gauge to the fuel rail valve which is located on the front right side of the motor just below the plenum.
As for resetting the ECM, it's best to unplug the 5-amp fuse at B2 for about 20 minutes or so... disconnecting the battery is usually not a good idea on the V8 as the alarm will go off. Once the ECM is reset, you should start it and let it idle for about 20 minutes to allow the ECM to learn the idle pattern, then repeat with the A/C on (note: the cooling fans will cycle with A/C off and be on continuously with A/C on). Beyond this, it usually takes a good 20 miles of driving so the ECM can build it's own map.
Did the problem start suddenly or develop over time?
Regards, KM
2000 V8
Fuel starvation would probably generate a "check engine" light. I think any timing belt problems would do the same. Sounds like it could be ignition related. Anything from alternator to plug wires.
Unless you have the proper equipment, the best thing to do is take it to a local qualified Lotus shop. IIRC, there is one in your area (the Collection?). This may be the best option for peace of mind...
ErnestM
>> Edited by ErnestM on Friday 19th March 14:47
Unless you have the proper equipment, the best thing to do is take it to a local qualified Lotus shop. IIRC, there is one in your area (the Collection?). This may be the best option for peace of mind...
ErnestM
>> Edited by ErnestM on Friday 19th March 14:47
This may not be associated, but had a similar problem on my S4s where it would missfire under boost but was fine under light loads.
Ended up being a spark plug that just couldn't produce a spark when under high loads due to compression etc.
If the problem seems to appear at initial acceleration when still using little boost then fuel starvation or air leak seems more probable.
Del
S4s 95
>> Edited by Del-Esprit on Friday 19th March 17:32
Ended up being a spark plug that just couldn't produce a spark when under high loads due to compression etc.
If the problem seems to appear at initial acceleration when still using little boost then fuel starvation or air leak seems more probable.
Del
S4s 95
>> Edited by Del-Esprit on Friday 19th March 17:32
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