Running slightly rough when idling... help

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Olga
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Running slightly rough when idling... help

Post by Olga » 10 Dec 2009 10:52 am

As you may know from previous posts - I have just purchased a 340 variomatic 1990. She runs quite well, has started first time every time and is generally fine... but a bit rough when idling (and when doing over 65 miles an hour!)... is this rough idling known as 'lumping'?

What might cause this? I was thinking of asking the place that sold me the car, and are now going to fix the rust at the back, to look at it... good idea? Or maybe best to take it to MY garage who I know?

What should I check BEFORE giving up and taking it to the garage?

Thanks,

Olga

macplaxton
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Re: Running slightly rough when idling... help

Post by macplaxton » 10 Dec 2009 04:41 pm

Olga wrote:... but a bit rough when idling
HERE would be a good place to start.
Olga wrote:(and when doing over 65 miles an hour!)... is this rough idling known as 'lumping'?
Over 65mph? Might be the same problem, but possibly a different problem.
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Chris_C
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Re: Running slightly rough when idling... help

Post by Chris_C » 10 Dec 2009 06:07 pm

Olga wrote:What should I check BEFORE giving up and taking it to the garage?
Everything... 90% of garages don't seem to have a clue about carbs, let alone the vario system (which has enough vacuum take off's that it'll upset anyone fresh out of college :lol: )

If you are interested in doing work yourself, and havn't got a background in fiddling it really doesn't matter, the amount of experience (especially for vario stuff) on this forum is impressive.

For a small amount of light bedtime reading, try this one too ;)

http://www.volvo300mania.com/forum-uk/v ... =39&t=3803
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Olga
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Re: Running slightly rough when idling... help

Post by Olga » 10 Dec 2009 06:23 pm

My lord... complex stuff! I did the simple stuff - the carb seems to be firmly attached!! Maybe new spark plugs, carb cleaner poured down and new HT leads would be a good start - would any motor factors supply these parts, or is there a 'special' place?

Thanks for your help, Olga

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Re: Running slightly rough when idling... help

Post by macplaxton » 10 Dec 2009 06:47 pm

Olga wrote:would any motor factors supply these parts?
Yes.
Olga wrote:or is there a 'special' place
Only for the 'special' stuff.

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Last edited by macplaxton on 10 Dec 2009 07:04 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Olga
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Re: Running slightly rough when idling... help

Post by Olga » 10 Dec 2009 06:59 pm

Do you think it is worth changing the distributor cap and rotor arm as well? This doesn't have points does it?

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Re: Running slightly rough when idling... help

Post by macplaxton » 10 Dec 2009 07:05 pm

Olga wrote:Do you think it is worth changing the distributor cap and rotor arm as well? This doesn't have points does it?
Depends on what they look like. Doesn't have points, but a Renix unit.
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SteveP
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Re: Running slightly rough when idling... help

Post by SteveP » 10 Dec 2009 07:11 pm

If they look like they haven't been replaced, it might be worthwhile!
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Olga
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Re: Running slightly rough when idling... help

Post by Olga » 10 Dec 2009 08:26 pm

Ok, I'll get that stuff ordered - the garage I bought it from will have her back on Saturday for a week to do the repair on the back rusty bit... (I hope to God they do a reasonable job) and that will give me time to get the other stuff ordered...

Anybody recommend best place online to order all the bits like rotor arms etc?

Thanks

Olga
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Re: Running slightly rough when idling... help

Post by Olga » 10 Dec 2009 08:28 pm

Oh, and what would my engine code be for a 1990 1.4 automatic 3 door?

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Re: Running slightly rough when idling... help

Post by volvosneverdie » 10 Dec 2009 09:25 pm

Olga wrote:Oh, and what would my engine code be for a 1990 1.4 automatic 3 door?
Same as a 1.4 manual isnt it?
B14?

Perhaps youd better wait for confirmation from someone better qualified though. :oops:
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Re: Running slightly rough when idling... help

Post by volvodspec » 10 Dec 2009 09:47 pm

B14.4E or B14.4S

you can find the code right above the oil filter on a aluminium plate, left side of the engine.

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