Running Rough

[M21MFS]

Meant to post up about this earlier in the week, but been hella busy

Bravo's been running VERY rough since returning from Perth. Idling's always been SLIGHTLY out as Andrew will verify. However she's been running rough of lately, no difference really between idling and when she's flat out. Acceloration is often quite stuttery, she'll struggle then kick into life.

Bearing in mind the cars done 124k (31 since I bought it last summer) I'm wanting to minimize future repairs - I'm not convinced that any rebirth/major repairs would be worthwhile with a high milage. I'd originally thought it may be the clutch on it's way out, but it doesn't seem there's any lag (and the rev's dont go mental if you put the foot down to the floor)

Could it just be service time (Andrew helped change plugs & leads back in June/July time IIRC) or something relatively minor, or is it time to start car-hunting?

 

[mrcinquecento]

i'd give it a service tbh, if the plugs and leads have been changed, leave them though

change the fuel filter, air filter, oil filter and oil. fuel and air's seem the most likley cause if its anything fairly minor.

other causes off the top of my head would be a coil pack or crank sensor issue.

 

[M21MFS]

Plugs/leads were done but as I say it was 4-5 miles ago and the cars done 1000's of miles in that time.

The air filter is off, replaced by a universal induction jobbie. I just wonder if that should maybe be swapped over too?

 

[mrcinquecento]

i'd have a look at the induction kit's filter, if it looks okay or fairly clean, i'd leave it. i'd check the fitment of it though to be sure. i would definitley suspect the fuel filter before the air though if it was a service item that was at fault.

do the rev's struggle throughout the range, or is it mainly at lower rpm its running rough?

any other symptoms? warning lights, strange noises, water usage or excessive smoke?, hows the mpg?

it sounds to me though the coil pack is on its way ta-ta's though.

 

[M21MFS]

i'd have a look at the induction kit's filter, if it looks okay or fairly clean, i'd leave it. i'd check the fitment of it though to be sure. i would definitley suspect the fuel filter before the air though if it was a service item that was at fault.

do the rev's struggle throughout the range, or is it mainly at lower rpm its running rough?

any other symptoms? warning lights, strange noises, water usage or excessive smoke?, hows the mpg?

it sounds to me though the coil pack is on its way ta-ta's though.

MPG's not great..though 'til now I've always put that down to the alloys & filter being on!

No additioanl warning lights - oil and water usage I'm monitoring (they were topped up last week but haven't improved anything) it just seems to struggle anywhere - randomly!

I forgot to mention earlier, it's last TWO MOT's it's had lambda's replaced.

 

[mrcinquecento]

hmmmm, another couple of posiibilitys then are the stepper motor or the maf sensor, im fairly sure it is somewhere in that region the problem lies. if its using a lambda a year, it could be running rich, so somewhere along the line, theres a problem with it deciding or controling how much air to mix with the fuel, which narrows it down a wee bit

however, another thought, i've heard of people having trouble with the throttle bodys getting gunk in them and sticking slightly, so i'd maybe pop off the induction kit and have a look at the tb, look for any signs of contamination. sometimes the breather gets clogged and forces oil into the tb, which builds up into a sludge and causes poor running. poor mpg etc, it would only take 10 minutes or so to look at. best to check the things that cost nothing first

whilst there have a look at the tb, there should be a small pipey hose that runs to the maf sensor which is next to the ecu on a cento, not totally sure on a bravo though!, but it should be easy enough to find, if thats not connected up, or the sensors knackered, youl get problems,

hope this helps

 

[Venters]

I'll have a fiver on the Maf sensor please.

 

[mrcinquecento]

I'll have a fiver on the Maf sensor please.

yup, it's what im leaning more towards myself too, its too much of a coincidence, the poor running, the hunger for lambda's, the mpg, it all points to it.

i'd check around the tb first, before i bought a new maf, but im about 80% sure the sensors to blame.

there about £30 from fleabay iirc, probably be able to get 1 from the scrappys for about £5.

 

[M21MFS]

Could it just be needing a clean? Or would it be shot?

I shall make enquiries but I think a check over all the runnings at the weekend is now planned anyway!

 

[Venters]

Easiest way to find out if it's needing cleaned or is burst is just to give it a clean.
Can always give it a quick test to see if it's got anything to do with the Maf. disconnect it and see how different it is. If your mafs working disconnecting it should make worse. If the Mafs busted it should be pretty much the same.

 

[Stuart]

anyone got autodata on their computer? if so whats the resistance on a maf? i'll check it martyn as i said the other night, may as well give it a sss!! Super Stuarty Service :lol: we'll do oil, fuel filter, plugs, leads check distributer, clean icv and get another maf from scrappy, just give it a really good service

 

[M21MFS]

anyone got autodata on their computer? if so whats the resistance on a maf? i'll check it martyn as i said the other night, may as well give it a sss!! Super Stuarty Service :lol: we'll do oil, fuel filter, plugs, leads check distributer, clean icv and get another maf from scrappy, just give it a really good service

That'd be cool mate, just whenever you get a chance! Was rough as hell today, really dont want to run her just now but got no choice

 

[FiatFXR]

i got auto data. what is the cars, reg + engine size + any info to help me pin point the right model

 

[M21MFS]

i got auto data. what is the cars, reg + engine size + any info to help me pin point the right model

Alrighty fella...
Bravo
P73 KTS
1.6 16v SX

Cheers

 

[FiatFXR]

0,25-4,75 volts (fluctuating)

.ensure ignition is off
.don't disconnect the map sensor, poke the pins through the rubber seals around the wires on the plug
.start engine
.raise engine speed several times
.check voltage

plug [- - -]
pins C B A

you want pins C & B
pins B & A will be a 5volt power feed for the sensor

 

[imported_Ransoman]

my money is on the Maf aswell. I assume the unlplug test works on the Bravo?

 

[M21MFS]

my money is on the Maf aswell. I assume the unlplug test works on the Bravo?

Fingers crossed should be able to run through a few tests on Friday after work.

Place your bets :lol:

 

[Stuart]

bets its pissing of rain and we dont get it done! :lol:

 

[M21MFS]

bets its pissing of rain and we dont get it done! :lol:

Or the arctic hits.

Sorry, was away oot earlier as you probably noticed. If you're still cool could take the car round after work and see how far we get. If the weathers **** could have a beer or four?

 

[Stuart]

Right, just had a look at martyns car (in the dark!!!), and i have a few Q's....

Rumbling coming from aux belt area, are belt tensioner pulleys like this when needing renewed? Vx ones screech so not sure if its the same and also couldnt see lol.

How easy is it to do a timing belt and what tools would i need to get? i.e. cam locking kit... where from and how much?

How much for a coil pack? not sure if its needed but need to know just in case lol.