Running like crap

Discussions relating to Turbochargers, Superchargers, Induction, Engine Mods, Exhaust Mods, and other items specifically to make your MX5 or Roadster put out more power.

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MrGrey
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Running like crap

Post by MrGrey » Tue Jan 20, 2015 6:47 pm

Hi guys :)
yesterday I did an oil change (which went smoothly) and afterwards I noticed the engine was a little dusty so I gave it a squirt with the hose.

today when I started it up, she was idling rough at low revs (making a put put put sound) and was sluggish when taking off. I assumed that water has gotten in somewhere it shouldn't and took it for a 10km drive and she is sounding better but when cruising at 100km she felt ever so slightly surge'y so i am hoping that normal driving will dry out what is plaguing her at the mo'

it also seems like she is idling at a lower RPM than usual (about 100-200 rpm)

I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions of what to check or look at to see if I can diagnose exactly what is wrong with her.

Thanks in advance.

WideOpenThrottle
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Post by WideOpenThrottle » Tue Jan 20, 2015 7:10 pm

More than likely got water in where your spark plug leads go into the cam cover..try compressed air with the leads removed.
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broomfish
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Post by broomfish » Wed Jan 21, 2015 10:19 am

WOT he said
If you dont have compressed air, last resort is to remove the plugs and let the water drain down down the spark plug holes, then reassemble and the water will burn off/come out through the exhaust.
regards

Peter Lee
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MrGrey
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Post by MrGrey » Wed Jan 21, 2015 11:18 am

Thanks for the help guys, you were bang on the money!

the cavity for the sparkplug at the rear of the engine had about 3 desert spoons of water in there and after a good blow out with some compressed air she is running smooth as a ken dolls genital region :)

thanks again!

NicF
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Post by NicF » Wed Jan 21, 2015 2:02 pm

Funny, I had exactly the same problem pop up over Christmas, one day ran fine, next day 2-3 cylinders and backfiring. I hadn't washed it though. It turned out to be failed plugs, which was a relief, because I was suspecting a coil pack.

I've never known plugs to fail overnight like that though.
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