The difference a clean stepper motor makes .......

[M J H]

In 18 months of ownership and at least 2 requests to get the main dealer to resolve variable/hunting revs, mainly taking a while to idle back to 1000revs. Decided to actually do something practical with the Bible rather than just read it...so with newly acquired large adjustable in one hand and book in the other, performed what turned out to be the simplist of tasks, producing the most remarkable improvement.
Drives like a different car now, amazing how you get used to and compensate for bad running etc.
As you can tell I've virtually nil pratical understanding of these matters, yet was able to resolve this , where the main dealer seemed unable.
I've read on more than one occassion the cry " clean the stepper motor" in answer to idling problems,but had always assumed my problems were far more complex, and way beyond me.
Anyway having taken this small step in underbonnet fettling any comments as to how often this neads cleaning?

[david010167]

No idea how often it needs cleening, but I echo your words. I cleaned my stepper motor on Sat for the first time, and the car idled so much better afterwards.

BTW: I discovered that wonderwheels cleaned the stepper motor a treat, it disolved the carbon off.

David

[Big Al.]

I think you'll find that the general consensus of opinion is 6000 miles, I do mine when it gets lumpy or feels sluggish.

If the problem still exists and you post a question on P/H the first thing everyone will ask is, have you "cleaned the stepper motor", you can then reply

[julianhj]

Was just about to go clean the stepper after experiencing the classic symptoms this week. Two issues:

1) I don't have a big enough spanner to hand.

2) not sure how to clean it. Do I just soak the bottom end in meths/wonderwheels/etc.? Can any damage be done by soaking the thing?

Will be sorting issue one out tomorrow with a quick lunchtime trip to Halfords, any advice on issue 2? Sorry to sound like an mechanical numpty - have consulted Steve's Bible, and want to make sure I don't balls it up...

[Big Al.]

Julian, long time no see.

I’ve done mine twice now, take the plug orft, unscrew & take out.
Now…. there's not a lot you can do with it as nothing moves. So all I do is give the dome it a gentle rub (ooh err) with some 0000 steel wool (ouch) to remove the carbon deposit and then a quick squirt of WD40 in side and out. Check washer for damage screw back in & re-connect plug. Hey presto…

Hope this helps.

Ed to Add: spanner I think is 32mm
Never soaked mine, never felt the need with the electrics.


>> Edited by Big Al. on Sunday 22 June 22:03

[julianhj]

Hi Al, yeah, it's been a while!

Thanks for the tip, will get it taken care of tomorrow...

[Big Al.]

Let us know what you think after you’ve cleaned it.

[HarryW]

Only tip I can say if you're not mechanically minded is be aware they are made of plastic so don't over tighten it back up or it'll crack.
Personnaly I've never had a problem of doing it up by hand, it's big enough to get a grip on, well it is in the S where access is not an issue. Dont forget to put the rubber washer back on either, it does affect the running

Harry

[Big Al.]

HarryW said:

Only tip I can say if you're not mechanically minded is be aware they are made of plastic so don't over tighten it back up or it'll crack.

The Body of my stepper looks plastic but is in fact black anodised aluminum. But I would also stress not to over tighten.

[david010167]

Just to add to this. when I soaked mine in wonderwheels to get the carbon off, I infact stood it upright in a small plastic bottle lid with wonderwheels in it. So only the tip was in the liquard. Oh and it stayed upright as I blue tacked the stepper to a kitchen tile on the edge of the worksurface on the wall.

David

[julianhj]

Well, I gave it a good clean today, it was filthy. Made a bit of a difference, but hasn't cured the rough running... any other suggestions? I fear there may be endless avenues...

[HarryW]

julianhj said:

Well, I gave it a good clean today, it was filthy. Made a bit of a difference, but hasn't cured the rough running... any other suggestions? I fear there may be endless avenues...

If the stepper was that dirty the seat in the plenum will be as well. Clean the housing that it sits in, soak the corner of a cloth in your desired solvent and squidge away I always double check with a magilight to make sure its a nice clean surface for the stepper to sit on. May clear up the rest of the roughness.

H

PS if you do use a strong solvent don't forget to put gloves on and use in a well ventillated place