car running awful

car running awful

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Discussion

scotty2dogs

Original Poster:

115 posts

290 months

Monday 13th October 2003
quotequote all
Between 1-3500 rpm the car is running terribly--had the 12000 mile service in April--since then no worries but all of a sudden its dreadful--seems to lack power then it kicks in and everythings fine but at the lower end its running like a bag of sh1te. Any ideas--also its pinking more than usual. I know nil about engines but if I were to guess I'd say the spark plugs were dirty--sound reasonable??

NE1961

2,410 posts

288 months

Monday 13th October 2003
quotequote all
Sounds like plugs or ignition leads. Mine also seemed a bit hesitant at lower RPM when cold yesterday although it had not been out for a few day's, but a good run and bring up the disco lights a few times soon had it back to normal

Nick

TUS 373

4,786 posts

288 months

Monday 13th October 2003
quotequote all
What kind of mileage has the car got, and is the rough running occurring throughout the range you stated - or worse at some revs than others.

Plugs and leads are a good starting point, but personally I'd run the car to an independent to have them checked out - its less of a DIY job compared to the vast majority of cars.

The other potential area is the throttle pots requiring a rebalance - again, best left to a professional. They can go out of tune leading the ECU guessing at to what it should be doing concerning air/fuel mixture - and not quite getting it right. In my experience this is most bothersome at around 1800-2500 rpm. Above and below that, the throttle must be too far closed, or too wide open for it to be an issue. Mine were rebalanced for £40 and a new set of leads for £60 - and its been much much better since. I'm not convinced that TVR checkes this when my car had its 18K service (at 16K).

Incidentally, earlier Tuscans ran rather inferior ignition leads so it is worth checking them and maybe look to getting some new ones of a later spec?

NE1961

2,410 posts

288 months

Monday 13th October 2003
quotequote all
TUS 373 said:
Incidentally, earlier Tuscans ran rather inferior ignition leads so it is worth checking them and maybe look to getting some new ones of a later spec?


Or change them for a set of Magnicore leads

www.actproducts.co.uk/ignition.php

Nick

TUS 373

4,786 posts

288 months

Monday 13th October 2003
quotequote all
Absolutely - if you can justify the cost, I understand that they are very good. Down side is they are £100+ compared to TVR at around £60 inc VAT. The one thing with the Tuscan, is that you don't get to see the nice parts under the bonnet!

spd6

15 posts

257 months

Monday 13th October 2003
quotequote all
heres a new one check the fuse on the altenator is'nt cracked, as i had this fault. makes it run like a dog until enough current goes though.

whitey

2,508 posts

291 months

Monday 13th October 2003
quotequote all
scotty2dogs said:
Between 1-3500 rpm the car is running terribly--had the 12000 mile service in April--since then no worries but all of a sudden its dreadful--seems to lack power then it kicks in and everythings fine but at the lower end its running like a bag of sh1te. Any ideas--also its pinking more than usual. I know nil about engines but if I were to guess I'd say the spark plugs were dirty--sound reasonable??


It should not pink at all. Has this occured after you washed the car or has it been in the rain ?

I would book it in for a check over. Mine goes in at least every 2000 miles for a tweek, I could of course not bother and leave it until the next service like some owners would do, but I am fussy and would rather it ran properly.

Hope you get it sorted cheaply.

Cheers
Whitey

scotty2dogs

Original Poster:

115 posts

290 months

Monday 13th October 2003
quotequote all
Anyone know an independant within 50 miles of London?

Lee02

378 posts

258 months

Monday 13th October 2003
quotequote all
I would say spark plugs my griff used to do this every time i got stuck in traffic for a long time.If the plugs are NGK they will not clean up you have to replace them.Also make sure the gaps are spot on it is critical.
I know of two really good independants in Kent
Progress engineering in maidstone speak to simon he is a engine god and they have rolling road.
Chris Bailley (formaly Arckell's) very good
now in canterbury
If you need there numbers email me via my profile
Hope you get it sorted Lee

all black

182 posts

269 months

Monday 13th October 2003
quotequote all
Andy @ APM has worked on mine and would recommend him to anyone - greast service, top bloke and great prices

Hes in Liphook just off the A3

Hes pretty busy because of his reputation but heres how to get hold of him


Unit 7
Parsfield Business Park
Liphook
0774 0723 673