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Running rich?????

Last post Mon, Jan 10 2011 21:32 by grjwt1. 3 replies.
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  • Sun, May 16 2010 20:24

    Running rich?????

     Can anybody in the West Mids area recommend a Tuning shop so i can get my Mk1 1.6 running sweet please. At low down revs she feels hesitant, as though the choke has been left on, but then start playing in the 5000 ~6000rpm playground and she loves it. I am new to MX5 ownership so help and suggestions will be appreciated. Many thanks Andy.

  • Sun, May 16 2010 22:35 In reply to
    • Pollyanna
    • Top 25 Contributor
    • Forum member since...
      Sun, Nov 16 2008
    • Northallerton, North Yorkshire
    • Posts 3,207

    Re: Running rich?????

     If I were in your position, as I have been, I would change the plugs, change the fuel filter, change the air filter and then use REDEX in the green bottle for a few tanks full of petrol.  If the engine oil hasn't been changed for a while I would change this too BEFORE I took the car into a garage.

     

    Eunos Mk1 1992 Roadster 1600 cc in Classic Red.
  • Mon, May 17 2010 6:29 In reply to
    • Geoff Walton
    • Top 10 Contributor
    • Forum member since...
      Mon, May 26 2008
    • Sunshine Coast Queensland Australia
    • Posts 11,081
    • Member
      SystemAdministrator

    Re: Running rich?????

    Try following this guide to looking for fault codes---

    http://www.mx5oc.co.uk/forum/forums/t/204.aspx

    Geoff
    Growing old disgracefully in Queensland. Founder of Eastern Region[HMF] Sunshine Coast Chapter.
    1990 Mariner Blue and white Mk1 Roadster with JR supercharger
    Hofner Verithin Guitars
  • Mon, Jan 10 2011 21:32 In reply to
    • grjwt1
    • Not Ranked
    • Forum member since...
      Sun, Dec 14 2008
    • Dudley
    • Posts 66
    • Member

    Re: Running rich?????

    Hi There

    Not sure if you have resolved this but I think it is worth mentioning that the Mk 1 1.6 was generally designed to run rich. The ECU is not reprogrammeable but I have heard mention of the use of a crystal to make the standard ECU richen the mixture even more. This in turn increases the power output and rev range. Clearly this is a rough an ready approach to improving performance.

    As the ecu is not programable then I would question the use of a rolling road tune up as these I believe are more designed to get programmable ecu's to give the best settings for power economy etc. I would suggest that you look at Aldron race tuning they are on the internet and are based in Brierly Hill Dudley. If you wanted to go he performance route I am sure they could supply and fit a programmable ecu and tune your car.

    However if all you want is to get the car running smoothly then as the first post suggested a good service may be all you need replacing filters ect can make a big diference. On removing the plugs check the condition ( See any haynes manual for what to look for) if black dry then you are running rich if oily then oil is getting into the combustion chamber again making the mixture richer. Also check the specification of the plug as they are designed to run at different tempuratures. The other thing to check is the cam angle and any reputable garage should be able to check this. Stock its 10 degrees BTDC if it less then this can lead to incomplete combustion and loss of performance. If you do have it checked and adjusted you may want to consier advancing it to 14 degrees BTDC as this leads to a useful power gain but be aware that you will need to assess this for your engine as there is an increased risk of pinking.

    The second post mentions the fault code check. This will tell you if any of the sensors are at fault and need changing.

     

    Hope this helps Ron

     

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