S1 intermittent acceleration problem
Discussion
So, was out on a blast and accelerating from low revs (in 4th if I remember), and suddenly the engine sounded VERY throaty, and did not pull at all. Kept on with the day, but took it easy (below 3K revs, as there was a DEFINITE rattling-type sound above 3K - left side of engine bay we reckoned), but within a few minutes everything was fine again. It did not make the sound when revving out of gear (or if it did it was harder to hear).
That was a week ago. Haven't driven it much since then, but it still seemed intermittent. Was scared to push it past 3K.
Today I drove the car (standard 1996 BTW), tried to capture the sound on video. The crap acceleration was there, but then as I put the throttle down, it was as if someone turned a switch and everything was back to normal - proper pulling & proper K-series sound! I have the video and will post it on YouTube if it will help diagnose the problem.
I haven't checked in to it too much; thought I'd start here on the forum. Any ideas of what might be going on? I'd hate to be stranded somewhere remote!!!
That was a week ago. Haven't driven it much since then, but it still seemed intermittent. Was scared to push it past 3K.
Today I drove the car (standard 1996 BTW), tried to capture the sound on video. The crap acceleration was there, but then as I put the throttle down, it was as if someone turned a switch and everything was back to normal - proper pulling & proper K-series sound! I have the video and will post it on YouTube if it will help diagnose the problem.
I haven't checked in to it too much; thought I'd start here on the forum. Any ideas of what might be going on? I'd hate to be stranded somewhere remote!!!
That sounds like my first point of enquiry too - when did you last have a C service and replace the distributor cap, rotor arm and plugs? My rotor arm failed shortly before its C service, so it is a weak spot...
The distributor cap and arm are usually less then £20, so try replacing them anyway if it's been a while since the C service, then you can look at plugs and HT leads if that doesn't cure it.
cheers
Sheds
The distributor cap and arm are usually less then £20, so try replacing them anyway if it's been a while since the C service, then you can look at plugs and HT leads if that doesn't cure it.
cheers
Sheds
Yes, sounds like it could be electrical.
Had a similar problem after it rained heavily (car was kept outside and the engine bay is effectively open to the sky). Water found its way under the spark plug cover thingy and was apparently causing a short.
The car would drive ok, but occasionally after heavy braking, acceleration, or on a gradient it would start to bog down and misfire as the water moved about.
After drying out the plug wells and seating the plug cover properly (added some sealant) the problem was fixed.
If it has rained heavily lately where you are, then perhaps that could be it?
Had a similar problem after it rained heavily (car was kept outside and the engine bay is effectively open to the sky). Water found its way under the spark plug cover thingy and was apparently causing a short.
The car would drive ok, but occasionally after heavy braking, acceleration, or on a gradient it would start to bog down and misfire as the water moved about.
After drying out the plug wells and seating the plug cover properly (added some sealant) the problem was fixed.
If it has rained heavily lately where you are, then perhaps that could be it?
Sheds said:
That sounds like my first point of enquiry too - when did you last have a C service and replace the distributor cap, rotor arm and plugs? My rotor arm failed shortly before its C service, so it is a weak spot...
The distributor cap and arm are usually less then £20, so try replacing them anyway if it's been a while since the C service, then you can look at plugs and HT leads if that doesn't cure it.
cheers
Sheds
Yep, that seemed to be it. The points in the distributor cap were well corroded. Cleaned them up but will replace the cap, arm, plugs and leads sometime soon.The distributor cap and arm are usually less then £20, so try replacing them anyway if it's been a while since the C service, then you can look at plugs and HT leads if that doesn't cure it.
cheers
Sheds
Cheers, all.
Thud_Mcguffin said:
I changed my distributor cap recently as the points were badly worn - not only did it cure a misfire but my fuel consumption has improved by 5mpg. Bonus!
Sweet! All the more reason to replace it straight away! My next decision is this: should I pocket the dough saved due to the better fuel economy, or should I maintain my current MPG and drive in a more 'spirited' fashion?
Hmmmm....
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