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[Ironingboard]

Ok maybe it’s just my understanding of engine timing principles but I plugged in my "My Naff Code Reader" reader into my car and read the real time values coming from the engine.

I found out that the value for engine timing/retarding was changing 3 or 4 times a second. There's no fault codes being read but I'm wondering if this is what’s causing my lumpy idling (not bad but not really smooth either) and my car loses power sometimes.

Anybody can give me some pointers in what’s causing this, I’ve cleaned breathers regularly and cleaned out the ICV?

[markey mark]

what fuel are you using ?? sounds like knock sensors are picking up something !!  :-/

[Ironingboard]

standard shell unleaded, I was using shell optimax until it started getting expensive again. According to the "My Naff Code Reader" thing, it didn't detect any knocking.

[Kevin Wood]

During idle the ECU will use ignition advance / retard to stabilise the idle speed as it has a faster response time than the ICV so I would say it's normal.

Kevin

[Ironingboard]

So what might be causing my lumpy idleing, sometimes when I start my car it will cut out right away, I've also had a lack of power when moving out from a junction, didn't cut out but didn't move either just lost power.  :-?

No fault codes stored on the ECU?

[Kevin Wood]

So what might be causing my lumpy idleing

Sticking ICV or EGR valve? Air leaks? Plug wells free of oil?

The advance wandering around is a symptom of it trying to stabilise the rough running IMHO.

Kevin

[Ironingboard]

No plug problems, air leaks....hummm. Should there be any air sounds coming from the engine at all, I always assumed there should be some sort of sound didn't think the plenium was sound proof. Will check but I'm open to any other ideas.

[jjleonard]

As far as I can remember (too damn cold to go outside and check!) you shouldn't be able to hear any 'air sounds' over the normal running of the engine.

Apart from the other bits suggested to check, I'd check all the connections to the plenum to ensure they are tight - also the plenum to intake manifold seals (rarely a problem but worth checking and regreasing) and the breather box seals. I had rough idling and hissing noises from the plenum - turned out to be the main breather box to plenum seal was worn and needed to be replaced.

HTH  

[Entwood]

To check for air/vacuum leaks .... whilst the engine is warm and at tickover, lightly spray carb/clutch/brake cleaner around the pipes, if the engine note changes the cleaner has been drawn into the engine and the leak is in that area .. a bit more spraying will soon identify the component. Once complete a thorough wipe with a cloth/paper towel and you have both a cured leak and a nice clean engine ..

[Ironingboard]

Thanks, sounds like a blast I'm gonna be having finding an air leak, I live a sheltered life