SP6 Engine Misfire (I think)
Discussion
First a little background - Jan 2002 Tuscan, 24500 miles, just had its 24000 tappet check carried out (4-500 miles ago) and had 3 or 4 shims replaced (by Dream Machines). Always warmed up 'properly' ie revs kept below 2500 until oil temperature is over 40 degrees, and never thrashed (don't they all say that?).
So, I drive to work last Thursday - no issues, all well and good. Come to drive home Thursday evening and she is a bit hesitant when starting and gives a little 'sneeze'. Under low revs (less than 2000) and a light load, there is a definite misfire or similar on one or two cylinders. Under higher revs and a heavier load (good but not hard acceleration) there is a constant missfire feeling, or rough running. More noticeable in a higher gear under load (cos it's easier to apply a higher load in a higher gear, so any effect are more easily noticeable). I have checked the leads for security - all are on fine. I can't check the plugs to see if one is fouled as my spark plug socket won't fit down the spark plug hole (and yes it is the small plug socket).
I'm gonna have to take it in to someone - but who, that's the question. I'm based in Chippenham, Wilts and there is a dealer just up the road but I've not heard good things. Who else should I go to in this area? Bristol isn't too far to travel but I'll need someone who can look at the car when I take it in (ie I'll wait while they look). I can't be without the car or I'm stuck for transport.
Any ideas please for where to go?
So, I drive to work last Thursday - no issues, all well and good. Come to drive home Thursday evening and she is a bit hesitant when starting and gives a little 'sneeze'. Under low revs (less than 2000) and a light load, there is a definite misfire or similar on one or two cylinders. Under higher revs and a heavier load (good but not hard acceleration) there is a constant missfire feeling, or rough running. More noticeable in a higher gear under load (cos it's easier to apply a higher load in a higher gear, so any effect are more easily noticeable). I have checked the leads for security - all are on fine. I can't check the plugs to see if one is fouled as my spark plug socket won't fit down the spark plug hole (and yes it is the small plug socket).
I'm gonna have to take it in to someone - but who, that's the question. I'm based in Chippenham, Wilts and there is a dealer just up the road but I've not heard good things. Who else should I go to in this area? Bristol isn't too far to travel but I'll need someone who can look at the car when I take it in (ie I'll wait while they look). I can't be without the car or I'm stuck for transport.
Any ideas please for where to go?
If by up the road you mean Hendrys, then I've had great service from them. Call Andrew Hendry (service guy) and have a chat - you might be surpised. My car will be back there next week for a 6k annual stylee service and tappet adjust (new headgasket/top end on mine).
Your problem could be as simple as a duff plug/HT lead, esp at the miles you have on the car (have the leads been replaced before?). It could be more serious too, but if its not using oil/water then lets hope its simple - so many possible electrical faults on these cars.
Your problem could be as simple as a duff plug/HT lead, esp at the miles you have on the car (have the leads been replaced before?). It could be more serious too, but if its not using oil/water then lets hope its simple - so many possible electrical faults on these cars.
Cheers for that Daftlad. I've already spoken to them on the phone and asked their advice and if they'd mind me going to a (more) local place (they are over 3 hours drive away from me). Fortunately it was just the tappet check, I'd already had the service done 2500 miles earlier (by same company) who advised me to wait until my engine was at 24000 for the tappet check instead of 'wasting' 2000 miles. I might see if TVR Craft can have a look at it as they aren't too far away from me.
Targarama, last time I went to Hendry's with a few issues (an oil leak being one of them) I was advised "they all leak a little bit of oil so don't worry about it. I expect it's just the oil pressure sensor". When my car went back to Dream Machines for other work, they diagnosed an oil pipe problem, changed the pipe and stopped the leak. The work I asked Hendry's to carry out seemed like 'too much trouble for them' and they seemed less than interested. Just a general feeling I have got from them over my last 3 visits. I'll still probably give them a call though, as they are 'just up the road' and convenient.
Out of interest were you trying to get things looked at/fixed under warranty? I've found most TVR dealers less than keen to take on another dealers' car/warranty work. I know what the rules/law states in this regard, but in reality this is the situation. Buy a car from say TVR Centre and try taking it to another main dealer for warranty work - they'll be less than chuffed to help unless they're also earning from you (such as for a service).
Targa, I took my PNJ into DHCARS today to have it looked at and they diagnosed a dirty plug and possible failed HT leads (three of the six rubber caps from the plug end were missing). A clean up of the plugs, reset of the gaps, renewal of the leads and all was well (well, except my now slightly lighter wallet of course!!). I just need to call into work sick now to be able to enjoy my car once again!!
philip_cooke said:
Targa, I took my PNJ into DHCARS today to have it looked at and they diagnosed a dirty plug and possible failed HT leads (three of the six rubber caps from the plug end were missing). A clean up of the plugs, reset of the gaps, renewal of the leads and all was well (well, except my now slightly lighter wallet of course!!). I just need to call into work sick now to be able to enjoy my car once again!!
Good to hear its OK. Mine is there for annual service and tappet adjustment today/tomorrow. I'm hoping they can check/re-set the suspension settings too (just emailed them asking).
Gassing Station | Speed Six Engine | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff