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Few Zetec questions
JeffJeffers - 10/1/12 at 10:52 PM

I finally got all my coolant pipes plumbed in tonight so I could run the engine properly.

I didn't have it running for many minutes and the exhaust manifold started glowing red. Is this normal?

Also the engine seems to be idling at about 2,000 rpm. I have the standard injection system and ECU. What I have noticed is if I unplug the idle control valve it makes no difference to the idle. Is this normal or does it sound like the valve isn't working properly?

austin man - 10/1/12 at 11:20 PM

glowing red not a good sign really my 1.8 doesnt glow red even when thrashed its on carbs not injected sound like its running lean to me

eddie99 - 10/1/12 at 11:23 PM

As above, doesnt sound good.... Too hot so too lean... I've never had mine noticeably glowing anything like red.

matt_gsxr - 10/1/12 at 11:33 PM

if not lean then perhaps your timing is retarded then you can put heat into exhaust that way, worth checking the timing if you have adjusted it.

Dusty - 10/1/12 at 11:57 PM

Fast idle suggests inlet air leak, red hot exhaust suggests running lean. Unplugging idle air control valve has no effect. Sherlock might deduce the IAC valve is wide open fitting all the known facts of the case very neatly.
Of course sods law means it will be the throgmingle cordwangler which turns out to be faulty but the clues did fit neatly together!

big_wasa - 11/1/12 at 06:53 AM

you have an air leak mate.

It should stall dead with out the idle valve working. If the idle valve is making a funny farting noise then it is the wrong way around ?

you want a tin of easy start or somthing and check around the mani for leaks.

If you want a hand give me a shout.

JeffJeffers - 11/1/12 at 10:07 AM

A tin of easy start it is then. Thanks all.

I may take you up on your offer big-wasa. Have you got your IVA booked yet?

loggyboy - 11/1/12 at 10:34 AM

quote:
Originally posted by Dusty
throgmingle cordwangler


I WANT to know where I can get me one of these!

Alfa145 - 11/1/12 at 12:03 PM

quote:
Originally posted by loggyboy
quote:
Originally posted by Dusty
throgmingle cordwangler


I WANT to know where I can get me one of these!


In the LocostBuilders forum Shop of course!

r1_pete - 11/1/12 at 01:12 PM

quote:
Originally posted by loggyboy
quote:
Originally posted by Dusty
throgmingle cordwangler


I WANT to know where I can get me one of these!


It'll get you into trouble ---- Link

JeffJeffers - 19/1/12 at 03:54 PM

Turns out it wasn't the throgmingle cordwangler.

I tested the inlet system with a tin of easy start but I couldn't find any signs of an air leak.
After a bit of messing around I found the fault was the idle control valve, or to be more honest the way I fitted the idle control valve.
I had fitted the idle valve the wrong way round. It turns out it doesn't close when fitted wrong.