Engine And Accelerating Issues - Help!

[ProwlingTiger]

Recently, I have noticed that when i come to a stop at lights, junctions ect the engine feels like it is going to cut out but it doesnt, it's almost as if its just idleing above what it needs to to keep the engine running. It's sounding a bit rough as well and it's been serviced every year since new, it is due for one but with a well kept engine it shouldnt be sounding rough I imagine?

I noticed as well I have to press the accelerator down further than I usually do to get the revvs up and get it going, as if its struggling to get up to speed but once it gets up to speed it drives fine and the OD and ETC button works fine as well still.

Also there is crack in the down pipe of the exhuast which i noticed when i got home from work, could this be the cause?

I have checked plugs, leads, all fluid levels ect and everything is fine. There is plenty of water, it doesnt over heat or anything either just happened suddenly this morning and been like it all day.

Any know how or help would be appreciated!

Its an auto 1.6 K reg Carina E with the 4FE engine i think it is?

[cmia]

do the service first, then report back

could be anything

start by replacing

plugs

checking dizzy

leads

cleaning sensors

and fix the pipe!

Edited February 18, 2011 by cmia

[BALIKBAYAN]

The rough noise comes surely from the cracked downpipe.

Is the accelerator cable lock nuts secured properly? As you wrote that you had to press the accelerator longer to get the engine to answer with revs.

Check/adjust the ignition timing. You put a jump wire between TE1 and E1 in the diagnosic socket and use a stroboscopic light. The ignition should be at 10 degrees BTC. If it is not loosen the distributor and turn it a bit so the ignition is correct. Then fasten it again without turning the distributor.

How low is the idling rev? The idling should be around 800 rpm on the automatic if I remember correctly. You have a rpm guage inside the car, look at it.

Do the service as cmia said too.

[ProwlingTiger]

Service booked fo rnext week and pipe to be replaced at same time will see what happens after that and report back.

The idle is around 800 when in N or P so thats fine, when in D with foot on brake and stationary it's about 600 is that normal then?

[BALIKBAYAN]

Normally the idle speed is mentioned when the car is in neutral and not with the gear shifter in any gear. I don't like to drive automatic transmission cars so I have very small experience of them, My feet are too used to step on the clutch every now and then and it doesn't work with an automatic transmission. The 600 rpm when in D and brake pedal down you mention sounds like it should be ok. The idling at 800 rpm is perfect. It should be between 750 and 850.

[ProwlingTiger]

Thanx for that Bryan, it it normal as it does same after service so must be right

Didnt get exhaust done, as they told me there was an issue they didnt notice first time round, that was the join from the CAT to the middle is flaking and corroded - they quoted me £370 I almost died!!

Car only cost me £300 in the first place so unsure what to do now. I did look on the bay of bits and found a CAT for £60 and a middle for £40, with £40 fitting if I get it done myself I save a lot I guess.

[BALIKBAYAN]

Sorry to hear that a new exhaust cost more than the car. Buy second hand at a scrappy or at e-bay and fix it by yourself. Have a good look under the car so you will buy the correct pipes. It is a jungle with different models.