Kangaroo Rav (1998) & Another Couple Of Problems

[The Mortgage Man]

I dont nromally drive SWMBO's Rav but driving it today I noticed it was a bit kangarooish above 1500rpm. It ticks over very high too when first started from cold. I find this annoying. Any ideas what the cause might be?

And the clutch peddle doesn't have much travel and bites quite low down. Do they all have a short travel? Felt a bit odd.

Cheers

[gjnorthall]

Idling issues on this car usually result from a dirty / sticking idle control valve. Clean this together with the throttle body. Theres a detailed method for cleaning a 4.2 ICV and TB if you search the forum - it's virtually the same job on the 4.1. You might find that cleaning the TB improves general running but come back if you've still got the kangarooing problem. Presumably the simple things are OK such as spark plugs and fuel filter (the latter is a very neglected item on the 4.1 - it's tiny and expensive!). It's quite common for the clutch to bite quite low but it's worth checking and adjusting the pedal height if needs be - spec is in the pinned technical section. Check also there isn't excessive free play on start of travel - often due to some air in the hydraulic system.

[The Mortgage Man]

Thank you very much for that gjnorthall. I will get straight onto the ICV and TB as soon as the weather breaks (outside jobs while the sun shines). Spark plugs are fine but I haven't checked the fuel filter. We bought the Rav a few months ago and I dont think it had been serviced for years: the engine oil was like treacle.

Re the clutch: thanks for the tips: i'll look at the pinned tech section.

Many thanks.

Regards

Jonathan