2 replies to this topic

[Avl_Paul]

Hello All,

 

I've been chasing an unstable idle on-and-off for years now on a 1995 SPI.  The issue is intermittent - sometimes it runs great for short periods - then the issue returns.    With a diagnostic tool, I see spark advance timing jumping around a lot and suspect that there is an intermittent bad sensor.  The diagnostic tool doesn't report any issues.  I'm starting to go through replace sensors one by one.   I'm about to replace the crank angle sensor but realized that I've NEVER replaced distributor cap or ignition coil in the last 10+ years of ownership so I figured I might as well get those on order as well.

 

Should I replace the full distributor (I still have original Lucas) or just the cap?  I'm seeing a LOT of different part numbers with none labelled as for the SPI - is it the 59D that I need?  I don't see vacuum advance on mine.

 

Any recommendations on best distributors for a stock setup?  Ignition coil recommendations?

[humph]

Can't comment on whether the dizzy is causing your issue, but the cap below with the screws is the correct one for injection cars. Personally I wouldn't be changing the full dizzy unless you know it's knackered, why spend the money?

 

http://www.minispare...|Back to search

 

Not suggesting that this is the solution to your problem, but my spi had an unstable idle from the day I bought it until last summer, sat there and you could see the needle move up and down by 50 rpm or so.  Then last summer I had some cutting out issues that the diagnostic suggested was the coolant temp sensor under the inlet. I'd been avoiding changing this for ages due to access, but given it had constantly shown a fault I decided to bite the bullet. Once changed my idle is now rock solid, and the cutting out has stopped. Part was cheap enough, access was rubbish.

 

http://www.minispare...ck to catalogue

[Avl_Paul]

Thanks for info.  I've been fighting this hunting idle for years now.  It gets better for short periods but always is there.  Right now, I have to 'blip' the throttle to get the rpms up before pulling away or it will stall.  I've seen this before.  Usually, if I reset the ECU, it gets better for a while.   I have a MEMS  so I'll check the coolant sensor reading - thanks for that tip.  Probably just replace it in case it is intermittently dropping.