Really poor start up and idle

Post by **jimc101** » 07 Mar 2007 10:20 pm

Hi Guys

Long time since I have been on here, as have been working away from home and have been using a company car (Vectra 1.9 SRi TDi yes I know a lot of people here hate them) during the week, hence my 88 360 GLT only gets used a little at the weekends.

I have been having a problem for a while now with that when I start up it is very groggy, and struggles to idle well. If I rev it to 4-5000 rpm it will cough and splutter, seem to back fire a couple of times and will be fine, alternatively I can drive it for about half a mile and this also does the job.

This does not always happen when starting from cold, it can have been started in the morning fine, then goes bad the next time I start it later in the day.

Any suggestion before I start with the Spark plug, rotor arm etc?

Thanks all

James

Post by **shimon340** » 12 Mar 2007 03:42 pm

hi

it may be as simple as damp in the distributor or poor connections on the HT leads. If the car was fine when put away not used Id tend to think it was damp rather than it developing an air leak or overfueling issue during its storage.

a spray of WD-40 inside the distributor will prevent moisture build up. Its been debated a lot here is WD40 is hydrophillic or hydrophobic but either way it does remove damp. Ensure the HT connections are good and dry, check for any signs of corrosion on the ends also. check the connections at the plugs are good too.

A new dizzy cap is only really necessary if yours is worn - check the contact part where the rotor arm goes.

thinking about it, it does sound like a damp start issue but its best not to rev the car that high when cold. First the oil doesnt lubricate well at low temps and second the car will have the choke out or the auto enrichment will be in place if fuel injected. that rich fuel mix will wash oil down the cylinder bores reducing lubrication and increasing wear.

give the WD a try and we look forward to hearing your updates!!

Shimon

Post by **foggyjames** » 13 Mar 2007 01:56 am

The rumour always was that they get "addicted" to WD40 in the cap...so for the sake of sanity, I'd do it in moderation! I did use the WD trick on my 240 over Christmas, and it certainly worked...but if it's needing it every time you start it, you've got a bigger problem.

cheers

James

Post by **classicswede** » 14 Mar 2007 09:43 pm

Is that a case of watch out for adiction?