i changed the gsket as was required and ever since have had following problem.

won't idle and wants to stall, have to rev 2k plus to get any where. once it gets going no power problem.

when its hot it will idle roughly

i also noticed it is smoking slightly

I have a suspician that the the oxygen sensor may be faulty causing the car to run rich. I will check the plugs for soot asap

oe oxygen sensors are £100 plus so i don't want to spend the money only to find its something else wrong, anyone any ideas.

how would an aftermarket one behave?

Hi,

Which gasket have you changed?

Head gasket?

If so are you happy that the cam timing is correct?

Have you got an air leak?

David

What year model of K series --- I would guess it is a K16 but is it single or multipoint injection and is it an alloy or plastic inlet manifold.
If it is a plastic inlet manifold was a new "green" gasket fitted and was it tightened according to the latest tightening procedure. THIS IS ESSENTIAL.

However if it were my engine the first thing I would check is the valve timing it sounds very like the vale timing is 1 tooth out.

When timing these engines its very important to check the crank is at exactly mid stroke by measuring down the plug holes -- all pistons should be the same depth from the top of the plug hole -- never depend on the Rover crank timing mark. Also check the crank pulley isn't loose as is keyless and they can float around.

If it isn't that it could be something very simple like a coolant temperature sensor or the tube that runs between the MAP sensor onthe ECU and the inlet manifold if full of gunk or the stub pipe connection at the ECU end is cracked.
Other suspects are the Rotor arm, TPS and crank position sensor and its wiring, also the plug on the MEMS unit and the earthing connection for the MEMS unit.
I very much doubt it is an oxygen sensor a K16 will run quite nicely with the sensor disconnected. The Rover K16 lambda sensor is a Zirconia type fitting an oridinary aftermarket sensor won't work but an aftermarket Zirconia one will. I have web address for a suitable replacement.



[Edited on 14/7/05 by britishtrident]

when we did the job, all new belts, gaskets,
camshaft oil seals, steel dowels, all rover parts and was done by a rover mechy as a favour
it is a
k16 plastic manifold multipoint injection

i would not be surprised if it were out a tooth on the timing at all i will check and get back to you

Make sure you have none of the vacuum pipes left adrift. Easy to forget to refit the MAP pipe onto the ECU.

Also worth checking / replacing inlet manifold temp sensor. Just replaced the HG on my K series after a blow and that knackered the inlet sensor causing a similar story....

just to update

map sensor tube was not connected at engine end

feel a bit silly now, this has scuppered me for months