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        General >> Problems >> 2.9 12v - Problems starting & idling
        
(Message started by: TomP on Nov 17^th, 2010, 1:35pm)

Title: 2.9 12v - Problems starting & idling
Post by TomP on Nov 17^th, 2010, 1:35pm

Hi, I've read through a fair few posts and the problem solving section, but hope someone can give me some specific advice to my symptoms.

For the past few weeks the car has been running fairly rough for the first 2 or 3 miles, even though no problems starting. After 2 or 3 miles engine seems to run fine. Last night tried to start the car and it wouldn't fire, although the engine turned fine. Also today, same problem. FYI, it's been very damp/cold over the last days and the rough running over the last few weeks does seem to co-incide with the change in weather.

I changed the plugs, distributor cap and rotor arm just over a year ago, so am assuming those shouldn't be the problem. Thinking about changing the HT leads next (only probably because it's the next simplest thing for me to do).

Has anyone got any advice or ideas what other things I should check, given my symptoms?

Many thanks in advance.

Title: Re: 2.9 12v - Problems starting & idling
Post by Matt on Nov 17^th, 2010, 9:13pm

An old 12v of mine had the same probs when it was damp weather, turned out 1 of the spark plugs had cracked on the insulator and was shorting untill the dampnesd dried out of it

Title: Re: 2.9 12v - Problems starting & idling
Post by Mike H on Nov 23^rd, 2010, 12:58pm

The damp is possibly affecting various other electrical connections as well, a good going over with WD40 might help

Title: Re: 2.9 12v - Problems starting & idling
Post by TomP on Dec 9^th, 2010, 1:02pm

Thanks for the replies. I have put the car in the garage over the last few eeeks and starting is better, although it still runs a bit rough for a few minutes to start with.

One other thing now is a very fast 'tick, tick, tick, tick, tick, tick' when I turn the ignition, before I hear the normal sound of the starter motor, then the engine firing. Any ideas what this is likely to be?....sticking starter motor perhaps?

Title: Re: 2.9 12v - Problems starting & idling
Post by Snoopy on Dec 10^th, 2010, 8:07am

Could well be the starter solenoid sticking if it is a loud sound, although these cars do not seem to suffer ;like others from sticking solenoids . well worth investigating though. The 12v use old technology it has a coil and a distributor . Its always worth cleaning the top of the coiil and givi it the occasional spray to keep the damp of and a good set of HT leads is essential.

Title: Re: 2.9 12v - Problems starting & idling
Post by Nunnspoet on Dec 10^th, 2010, 10:17am

I have had similar probs. with my 12 valve >:(. It just does not like cold damp weather coupled with standing idle outside for days on end :(. I have owned her for 4 years now and every winter is the same. When driven on a daily basis there are no problems. A good squirt with WD40 around the Engine Bay seems to help. especially around the back of the Radiator top where there are all sorts of Electric bits and bobs - just behind the Coil there sits a little black rectangular "box" with 2 wires attached which caused a prob some time ago - startining probs. I took her to Tytherleigh Auto Electrics here in Chard and the bloke found that although these wires looked and felt secure one of them had come adrift inside ???. He fixed it but sadly I have forgotten how, sorry :-[.

An all weather prob I had was that she would spin the engine but would not fire :-/ . I chased that one for months, eventually remembering that the throttle spindle mechanism was sticking slightly open I gave it a good lubricating. End of problem ;D. I keep it free and have had no further problems for a while now.

Mike