Tvr s3c ignition timing

[Mark67]

Hi. I am trying to check the ignition on my s3c with a gunson 77032 fault code reader. I can't seem to put it in service mode - code 60. It also is throwing out codes 12 and 13 indicating that the engine run test can't reach the upper and lower idle. The issue started with poor idle and cutting out when cold at junctions etc. I've cleaned the throttle body & put on a new ICV, TPS & MAP sensor, taken out a screw which someone had put in the hole in the butterfly as well & set the idle as ford scorpio forum! Any ideas please? Thanks. Mark

[tvrgit]

Is it running too fast? Have you checked for vacuum air leaks?

[mep12345]

Alternative way to put into service mode is to unplug the TPS has same effect as getting to code 60.

[Mark67]

tvrgit said:

Is it running too fast? Have you checked for vacuum air leaks?

It does run fast (1200 rpm) when warm sometimes, other times the idle comes down. I'm struggling checking for air leaks using carb cleaner as the idle varies anyway. The pipes look ok. Are there any specific areas where I might have an air leak? Cheers Mark

[Mark67]

mep12345 said:

Alternative way to put into service mode is to unplug the TPS has same effect as getting to code 60.

I did try this yesterday & disconnected the TPS when the engine wasn't running and it didn't work as when I set the ignition to 12 degrees it was very hesitant with no power. Should the TPS be disconnected & then reconnected with engine running? Cheers. Mark

[mep12345]

Mark67 said:

I did try this yesterday & disconnected the TPS when the engine wasn't running and it didn't work as when I set the ignition to 12 degrees it was very hesitant with no power. Should the TPS be disconnected & then reconnected with engine running? Cheers. Mark

No left off, has worked for me but I prefer to use code 60 with my FCR as a norm. Sounds as though you have something more than just the timing at issue

[tvrgit]

Mark67 said:

It does run fast (1200 rpm) when warm sometimes, other times the idle comes down. I'm struggling checking for air leaks using carb cleaner as the idle varies anyway. The pipes look ok. Are there any specific areas where I might have an air leak? Cheers Mark

Have you cleaned the idle speed control valve out? (edited - duh! You fitted a new one!)

If it is an air leak, it could be any of the various hoses or connections, or the servo diaphragm, or an injector o-ring, or the plenum to manifold gasket, or the inlet manifold gasket itself. It could even be drawing in air around the plenum bolts.

My air leak was diagnosed with a smoke tester - basically you pump the manifold full of smoke, pressurise it slightly and wait to see where it comes out. I explain it on my web site at http://www.andrewc.org.uk/tvrgit/nov13.html#d12 - November 12th last year.

If you jump forward to January 2014, you'll see that I made my own smoke tester out of a tin and some hose (and an air compressor connection) - it worked!

[Mark67]

Thanks, we will try and make a smoke tester. It may be an air leak - someone had put a self tapping screw in the air bleed hole in one of the throttle butterflies maybe if it was bleeding too much air and they did this to get the idle down??? I've taken it out anyway.

We still can't get the damn thing in service mode, to reset the timing so had to set it to 30 degrees at tickover in the interim as per a ford scorpio thread to stop it hesitating when cold and light throttle.

Will check for air leaks & take it from there....

Ps. We like the colour of your S in the photos!

[tvrgit]

Mark67 said:

...someone had put a self tapping screw in the air bleed hole in one of the throttle butterflies maybe if it was bleeding too much air and they did this to get the idle down??? I've taken it out anyway.

Erm... mine is an S3C and I'm pretty sure there is no air bleed hole in the butterflies - that's what the idle speed control valve does, it bleeds air past the closed throttle to, em... control the idle speed... that hole will bypass the ECU's adjustment of the idle speed and it will be all over the place. I think I would close that up again and try it.

Oh another thing... is the throttle closing completely? Are you absolutely sure?