K series query

Demetris

Demetris

Well-Known Member
This is aimed at those of you that have some knowledge in modern engine management systems.

My dad's 1991 214 (single point injection) has developed a strange habit.
When the engine is warm, and left for about half to one hour to cool, has some difficulty in starting. Actually it will just start and then it will die immediately. The only way to overcome this is to use the throttle. The engine will start with the throttle depressed. As soon as it starts it idles and drives normally. Otherwise, it will start absolutely normal from cold or normal running temperature, and it drives OK without any hesitation or anything. The problem occurs only when half warm.
Has anybody come across a similar experience?
Any thoughts?
Thanks is advance,

Demetris
 
When it starts is it really rough for a few moments?

This can happen if there is some water getting into to the combustion chamber. The inlet manifold is plastic so can suffer from heat and warp or just the gasket can go. When the car heats up the plastic expands and allows some coolant in this way.

I have suffered this and the garage weren't convinced I had a problem until I spoke to them and they presure tested the car again but this time whilst warm.

They put a new gasket on and problem solved but don't let it go on check coolant levels.

It could also be a problem with the lamda sensor etc. but I don't think that the 1991 model had that as cats werent fitted until 1992 at least in the uk

Colin
 
Hi Colin,

the car has a single point injection and an aluminium alloy inlet manifold. It doesn't loose any coolant and it doesn't mix it with oil. It does have a catalyst fitted from the factory, but without a lamda sensor.
When it starts, it runs sweet as it should. There's no rough running at any point.

Thanks,

Demetris
 
Hi There,

had a similar problem with the K-series engine in a Freelander :roll:
Turned out to be the stepper motor which had got contaminated after a blown head gasket - (no surprises there then!)
Got the replacement part from a Lotus dealer (same setup used in the elise) a lot cheaper than Rover wanted for the identical part!
Not sure if you have this on your setup, but if you do I was advised that you could try soaling it in meths over night.
This didn't work on mine as it was completely knackered.

Good luck,

John
 
When it starts is it really rough for a few moments?
This can happen if there is some water getting into to the combustion chamber
Click to expand...

That takes me back . I had a new 214SI in 1990 and occasionally it would run on 3 plugs when cold but clear within a mile. Went like a rocket otherwise and I used to thrash it .Never bothered to get it looked at as it was 99.9% OK

People reckon the single injector is prone to fouling and ultrasonic cleaning is the answer. Some additive may help if you're patient

Rotor arms are also a weak point and produce strange faults .They told me at the garage " It does no harm to fit a new arm" Poets !
 
Sticking throttle is common on these, plus mems has a habit of not returning the stepper to the correct starting position when you switch off. Then the throttle isn't open enough for the next restart. Using your foot obviously opens the throttle and once it's running the auto idle control sorts it out.

You could try turning the ignition on and then back off a couple of times (wait a good 20 seconds after switching off) before attempting the restart, you should hear the stepper motor adjust the throttle back to the correct starting position. This also allows it to pressurise the fuel system correctly.
 
Thanks for all the suggestions.

Richard, what you say about the stepper motor makes sense.
I'll see if i can do something about it.
 
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