Rough Running When Cold

[Vmax500]

This may well fit into the stupid question bracket, but here goes ...

My Chimaera 500 has recently taken to running as rough as old boots when it's fired up first thing in the morning - the idle speed fluctuates and the engine is not unacustomed to the odd misfire. Sure enough after literally a minute of starting, the car runs perfectly well.

This is my first winter with the car, so can anyone tell me whether this is a normal cold/damp start for a 5 litre TVR or should I take it in to be looked at?

Thanks to anyone who can help

[ROBIN S]

I've got exactly the same probs with my 450. The idle is really rough for the first few minutes. If I try to drive within this time, the revs drop so quickly when changing gear it just about stalls. Pulling away is also a jerky affair until there's some temp in the engine....bit frustrating but love it all the same!! My first winter too so welcome the feedback.

Robin

[rivergirrl]

This is also my first winter, with my 4.0HC Chim. It definitely sounds rough for the first few minutes until it warms up a little. I give it about 5 mins, while I'm faffing with roof/CDs/winter coat, etc...then drive away. It takes a while 'til it's warm enough to really get moving, though, so care must be taken while still cold. Great fun, though, on days like this ! Roof off is mandatory

Madness is assumed

[trefor]

The Rover V8 engines cars run really really rich when cold, giving that rough running feel. As long as it goes away after a mile or so I wouldn't worry. (That's also why they won't start for 5 minutes when you stall after backing out of the garage/driveway - unless you're careful not to touch the throttle pedal while starting.)

If possible (i.e if you don't have to de-ice the car etc.) you're better off driving off straight after starting to get the fluids around the system at 2-3,000 revs as opposed to leaving the car sitting there (more weight on the camshaft/internals at tickover without oil is not as healthy).

T/.

[jtong]

When I mentioned this to my garage, they replied that TVR suggest you rev the engine to 2000rpm for about 30 secs, then you should be ok.

Apparently, as already posted, the ECU starts the engine very rich and this excess petrol needs clearing out (or something).

Seems to work anyways.