Idle problems

[Mike]

I have owned a 1988 Maestro Mayfair (1600cc) for 4 years. It has always had problems stalling, initially when cold. This is now worse and the car often stalls when I come to a standstill and even as I slow down through the gears. I have got used to bump starting it but no one else can drive it;)
My son wants to learn to drive and this car would be ideal if it didn't stall. Someone once suggested the auto matic choke could be replaced with a manuel choke and that this may sort it.
Any thoughts on this problem?:rolleyes:

[MGTurbo]

Originally posted by Mike
I have owned a 1988 Maestro Mayfair (1600cc) for 4 years. It has always had problems stalling, initially when cold. This is now worse and the car often stalls when I come to a standstill and even as I slow down through the gears. I have got used to bump starting it but no one else can drive it;)
My son wants to learn to drive and this car would be ideal if it didn't stall. Someone once suggested the auto matic choke could be replaced with a manuel choke and that this may sort it.
Any thoughts on this problem?:rolleyes:

It sounds to me like the system needs a through check. People often fit manual chokes because it makes the system more simple.

First of all check the stepper motor works, do this when cold, disconnect the coolant sensor multiplug and then turn on the ignition. Short out the connector with some wire and the stepper motor should extend fully. Refit the multiplug once the ignition has been turned off.

Warm the engine up until fully hot and check that a small gap exists between the stepper rod and the throttle linkage. The gaop may be too big and whats happening is the carb is coming off choke too soon, but the fast idle is too low and thus causes your stalling problem.

Try this to start off with. Do you have a problem with it stalling when hot?

Gareth

[G Force]

Originally posted by MGTurbo
First of all check the stepper motor works, do this when cold, disconnect the coolant sensor multiplug and then turn on the ignition. Short out the connector with some wire and the stepper motor should extend fully. Refit the multiplug once the ignition has been turned off.

Gareth if you do this the stepper motor will be fully retracted, as shorting the coolant sensor wires will fool the fuel ecu into thinking the engine is overheating. You need to connect a 30 Kohm resistor accross the coolant sensor to fully extend the stepper motor.

The problem sounds like the orfco valve sticking open or the vacuum switch diaphragm split or both even. ;)

[MGTurbo]

Originally posted by G Force
Gareth if you do this the stepper motor will be fully retracted, as shorting the coolant sensor wires will fool the fuel ecu into thinking the engine is overheating. You need to connect a 30 Kohm resistor accross the coolant sensor to fully extend the stepper motor.

The problem sounds like the orfco valve sticking open or the vacuum switch diaphragm split or both even. ;)

Yes my mistake i meant to put use a resistor instead of wire.

Gareth

[E_T_V]

Stepper motor O rings again perhaps.. New fuel causes the originals to swell/split causing the stepper motor to become erratic. Changing to viton seals may solve the problem really easily.

[BIGLAD]

Originally posted by Mike
I have owned a 1988 Maestro Mayfair (1600cc) for 4 years. It has always had problems stalling, initially when cold. This is now worse and the car often stalls when I come to a standstill and even as I slow down through the gears. I have got used to bump starting it but no one else can drive it;)
My son wants to learn to drive and this car would be ideal if it didn't stall. Someone once suggested the auto matic choke could be replaced with a manuel choke and that this may sort it.
Any thoughts on this problem?:rolleyes:

Hi Mike,
If your prefered route is a Manual choke Conversion, then let me know- i have a new one available. Just either e-mail/PM me.

Thanks.

[Mike]

Thanks for all the advice. I have yet to get under the bonnet as I live in Aberdeen and work outside on the driveway. At first it was just very cold and wet.:eek: Now we have around 6 inches of snow! I'll try to fix things before resorting to the manuel choke thanks.:)

Mike