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MG MGF Technical - Stuttering

Am a recent proud owner of a 96 N MGF BRG and loving every minute of it and the "Darkside" is lurking on the horizon!

However need to pick your brains on what could be the cause of my low rev stuttering? When I put my foot down I get a stuttering response and sometimes vitually dies on me. When I get the revs above 2.5k it seems fine. Also only occurs once engine at normal running temp.

I am due a 12k service soon so hoping replacement cap, plugs, leads etc will cure the problem but is there anything more sinister that could be causing this?

Also can someone recommend a garge in the Aldershot area to do the service?

Thanks

Davey
D Allen

Sounds like the engine thinks it's cold

Does the fan on the front run all the time the engine runs? does it ever get hotter then midway?

Could be the brown sensor, dirty contacts or duff sensor
Will Munns

Temp never goes above midway, always a tad below midway which I believe is about right. Haven't notice front fan constantly on, will have to check.
D Allen

Davey.
Have a read in the archives re stepper(sp) motor and resetting.
HTH Mike
Mike (London Office)

Stepper motor would show up as a diffrence in revs, and has no effect with the throttle open.

Does the car idle at 900 hot?
Will Munns

Idles nicely at 900 rpm when hot.

Just being stepper archives and doesn't show thoses symtoms
D Allen

Had similar. Scary when pulling away from junction when traffic approaching from right and don't know if you're going to get clear in time. Dealer changed plugs and leads to little effect. Nice AA man diagnosed temperature sensor - sorted.
In extreme, car didn't like restarting when still warm and would flood. Can you smell petrol?
Steve Madden

Very scary going for those MGF size gaps at roundabouts!

Have just been for a spin and the front fan isn't constantly while engine running. When has completely stalled on me, has started again but not first time.

Having a read through the archives and what Steve said, it sounds like it could be the temperature sensor?
D Allen

Clean the sensor contacts first with 'contact cleaner' from an electrical/hifi shop
Will Munns

Thanks Will, will try that first. can anyone point me to a link to show me exactly what I'm looking for?

Cheers

Davey
Dave Allen

IS this the AAT (Ambient Air Temperature) Sensor as outlined in the RAVE Manual? I am asking because my car has recently started doing the same. Doesn't do it all the time, but often enough to be infuriating.
John Dickson

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Search/Results.asp?CartID=040922160716225&Level=2&Menu=293&Name=+Electronics+CLEANER+s+&PrevMenu=17&PrevName=

and no, the sensor is the ECU coolant sensor, as I sid in the first post, it's brown, it's located in the centre of the engine bay, it goes into the coolant pipes attached to the head.
To change it you will need a 19MM really deep socket IIRC, or you might do better with a large shifting wrench.
To clean it squeeze the connector on the two long sides and pull.
Will Munns

I think that the temperature sensor that people are talking about is the MEMS water temperature sensor, part no GTR206

Web archive article here: http://web.archive.org/web/20031122082512/http://www.mgf.ultimatemg.com/hgf_pages/related_problems_overheating.htm
Rob Bell

>>can anyone point me to a link to show me exactly what I'm looking for?

Rob Bell's site is currently down and this carries the pics we usually refer to of the temp sensor. However, Tony's site has a small pic here
http://www.apttony.co.uk/Servicing/RadiatorFan.html
Dave Livingstone

Oh - well done Rob - how does that work then, when your site's down? Does the archive also archive and linked pages? Good stuff.
Dave Livingstone

Hi

I had the same problem where the car would stutter and stall unless you were able to pump the accelerator. Mentioned it to a mechanic friend who asked where I had been filling up with petrol. At this point he suggested using someone like Shell or BP instead of the supermarkets as your never quite sure where they get the petrol from. Anyway the problem has not re-occured since doing this, although it is only 2 weeks and only on second tank of petrol. So I'd suggest trying the more expensive petrol brands and seeing if you get an improvement possibly be the easiest and cheapest solution.
Gary

Dave, it's quite incredible - Dieter found this site: it quitely makes back ups of practically every website on the internet!!! 8-O

Website should hopefully be back on line a little later in the week...
Rob Bell

Thanks for all your advice, will fill up with top grade petrol, if that doesn't cure the problem will give the temp sensor a good clean.

Hopefully will be able to report back with some good news!
Dave Allen

Hi Dave,
If you fancy a trip to Farnham, I will clean the contacts for you and at the same time check the fan comes on and the 15A fuse has not blown. Bring a 20A fuse with you for an upgrade if you wish. Mine is now 20A.
I am in all day Saturday if that is any help.
E-mail me at: cj_8a@hotmail.com with your landline phone number for me to contact you. If Saturday is not convenient, maybe one weekday evening.
Chris
Chris

HI Dave,
Is your MGF a vvc?
My e-mail address is not very clear. Between the j and the 8 there is an underscore. ie j_8
Chris
Chris

"Also can someone recommend a garge in the Aldershot area to do the service?"

Belt down the A3 to Petersfield and head east on the A272.
White Rose MGR dealer on the right.
Ask for Phil.
Cannonball Bob

Hi Chris,

Have just emailled you. Mines a non WC.

Cheers Dave
Dave Allen

I have similar and was told by MG service that it is probably a breakdown of the catalytic converter. Please email if you sort yours as cats can be expensive.
A C Krokowski

My first thought was the Cat and it had gone so had it replaced. I kindly declined my local MG dealer's offer to replace it and relieve me of 500 quid and went else where!

The new Cat seemed to cure the problem slightly but not completedly. This weekend I also took Gary's advice and filled up at BP and again an improvment but still not 100%

Dave Allen

This thread was discussed between 21/09/2004 and 27/09/2004

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