Oh dear.....Kangaroo juice????

[94mattda]

Hi, as you may know i have only had the car for a few days... a 1999 2L GTV. Love it and expected a few problems but not this soon lol........

Car starts fine, in lower gears it seems to pull away fine and then it holds back...like its stuttering, no misfires or sounds just bouncing along on kangaroo juice......A couple of times it has stalled when i have come to a stop at lights etc and has a coupel of times been hunting on idle......Engine managment light styed on for a little while at one point but has since gone off again......

I read a thread about throttle body and air pipes that may need cleaning.....does this sound like it could be caused by these.


Look forward to some advice.......

[andyroo75]

Check the air flow meter - that gives a flat spot and kangarooing.
Also splits in the intake hose cause an erratic idle

[94mattda]

Originally Posted by andyroo75

Check the air flow meter - that gives a flat spot and kangarooing.
Also splits in the intake hose cause an erratic idle

Thanks,.....how do i check the air flow meter....are there some readings i can take....i remember my sister doing that on her Mercedes Kompressor.... she rigged up a volt meter to see what teh range of readings were...

[Alexzver]

unplug the MAF - this should set the engine power to 95%, or so they say...can be the lambda sensor too.

[94mattda]

Hi, disconected the MAF today and the car would start but as you try to rev the engine it almost cuts out.....????

[AA on SpeedDial]

I had the dodgy revving (when it suddenly goes to 2500rpm waiting at the lights and the guy in front gives me the finger in the mirror) and when in crawling traffic (with the car in first and no foot on the accelerator) it would just start pogo-ing without much change in the engine note. I had a look underneath the car and the hose going in to the bottom of the air filter was hanging loose; just popped it back in and cable tied it and now it runs smoother, quieter, drinks less juice and has extra poke. Bargain!

[94mattda]

I shall have a good look under the bonnet tomorrow....if the rain stops that is. Would be nice if it was just a loose pipe.....

[94mattda]

Update on running issues.........been to Alfa Specialst in Plymouth...............cant remember what the fault codes were but its the MAF thats causing the problems.............the previous owner has replaced the sensor inside but not the whole thing............and then taped it up lol..................Also having the bonnet hinge fixed....................so pick the car up tomorrow and will let you know if all is cured....

[Alexzver]

prepare yourself for a large bill. MAF-s are expensive - they are like gold!

Hi, disconected the MAF today and the car would start but as you try to rev the engine it almost cuts out.....????

you have to let the engine run for 10-15 min and then turn in off. start it again and take it for a drive.

[94mattda]

Car back today...........and so far so good...............Had an Examiner smart diagnostic check, then had a new Bosche M.A.F, One new spark plug as is was shorting to its base but all others are new this year.... was noticed an earth wire was conected incorrectly so that was also changed. Bonnet hinge was repaired also. Great friendly service and very pleased with the work so far.....time will tell if its resolved it premenantly.

Booked it in again next week for new cambelt, cambelt kit, variator etc............ ideas on a fair price for this would be appreciated...

[itacarboy]

Normally with the variator about the 350 to 400 mark, don't forget the balance belt too, but I would advise putting a water pump on, sad to hear about your maf, mine has recently gone too

[94mattda]

Originally Posted by itacarboy

Normally with the variator about the 350 to 400 mark, don't forget the balance belt too, but I would advise putting a water pump on, sad to hear about your maf, mine has recently gone too

They quoted me pretty much that, £450 all inc.

[itacarboy]

That's ok that is because it's about 6 hours work

[94mattda]

The garage said the belt looks ok......but was a little slack and the variator has a little rattle on start up........so do you think its wise to get it done now...............

[Alexzver]

They quoted me pretty much that, £450 all inc.

You guys have such cheap service and parts!!!! Here they charge us between 800-1200€ for a cambelt change!!!!!!! So unfair!!!!