Looking for flapper system specialist in Essex?

[smash]

For some reason best known to my heart (it certainly hasn't let my head know what those reasons were) I bought a TVR 390SE last year.

It's a John Eales built engine.

Almost immediately it started playing up going into a massive stuttering misfire when you tried to use anything more than half throttle. Sometimes it would behave itself though and drive perfectly - usually when hot.

I've replaced the ignition amp and ecu temp sensor - but the car was almost impossible to start last time on the road - October last year - and was stalling every time I stopped at a junction it would die.

It's been SORN since and it now refuses to start. I have new leads, plugs, cap and rotor arm to go in but even when started I've still got this misfire to deal with.

TBH I know why I bought it - it sounds and looks stunning but currently it's a typical right royal TVR pain in the ass!

Ideally I'd like to just trailer it to someone to get it running right before I grab some petrol and just torch it!! Joking obviously....erm....

Can anyonerecommend anybody in the Essex area - within forum rules obviously

[DaveEFI]

Check the fuel pump is getting the correct volts when running. My SDI has a resistor in series with it - dunno if the TVR uses this too. But a poor connection or dirty relay etc can make it under perform at high load. Also check the fuel pressure using a pressure gauge - remove the hose to the cold start injector and fit it to that. You should see at least 36psi with the vacuum to the regulator disconnected.

Most faults on the flapper system are down to age and faulty sensors or connectors to them. Cleaning all of them is a good start. The ECU can give problems - but usually just dry solder joints so is pretty easily fixed.

However, I'd not spend a lot of money trying to sort it as a MegaSquirt MS2 can be bought used for about £200 these days and will out perform it in every way. It also gets rid of the flapper unit which is a very expensive unit to replace.

[ChrisJC]

Switching to MS2 wouldn't help though if the problem is a bad connection or sensor (which it almost certainly is). I would only switch over when it is working properly. ALthough MS2 might give you useful diagnostic info.

Do you have access to the factory EFi diagnostic guide?

I am sure it has been linked to many times.

Chris.

[DaveEFI]

Tuner Studio - the tuning software for MS - gives you a read out of all the sensors. You can also do a log of the engine running and view that in MegalogViewer. That would show if there was a problem with a sensor, wiring or connector to it. About the only think it won't show directly is a problem with an individual injector or spark plug.

[ramon alban]

Almost immediately it started playing up going into a massive stuttering misfire when you tried to use anything more than half throttle. Sometimes it would behave itself though and drive perfectly - usually when hot.

I've replaced the ignition amp and ecu temp sensor - but the car was almost impossible to start last time on the road - October last year - and was stalling every time I stopped at a junction it would die.

Hello ???, Is it running weak or rich?

If weak, your spark plugs will be clean, dry and pretty white. Main causes, lack of fuel, crud in the filters and pump, air leak into the intake system, low fuel pressure, duff ECU, overrun valve stuck open, etc, etc.

If rich, plugs are wet, black, sooty, smell of fuel, as will the exhaust tail pipe be sooty and smell likewise. Main causes, ECU, high fuel pressure, leaking injector, coolant temp sensor, noisy throt pot, etc, etc.

Without these symptoms, everything is a guess. as was your scattergun replacement of temp sensor and ignition amp.

We have to presume it is fuelling rather than ignition as the car has sparks to make it run - but is the ignition timing correct????

It's a nightmare! Right? and unfortunately, the chance of finding a local 'expert' solution you can trust is not good.

So if you want to experience the V8 dream

TBH I know why I bought it - it sounds and looks stunning but currently it's a typical right royal TVR pain in the ass!

Acquire and read, nay study, the Flapper Efi Ops Manual, read about all the components therein and how they all work together.

Alternatively I suggest, go to

http://www.vintagemodelairplane.com/pag ... wer01.html

and perform the 15 point health plan as set out on that page and all the links to my web pages that it contains.

You'l be amazed how well the referenced material will teach you all you need to know!

Be your own expert!

[smash]

Pulled the plugs and they are blacker than a scottie dog!

I had thought about getting a fuel pressure gauge - I'll order one tonight.

I've stuck fresh NGKs in but not attempted to start as they'll get gummed straight away.

[DaveEFI]

Hmm. Very rich even when cold is unusual. It's unlikely to be fuel pressure related. Have you tried unplugging the cold start injector? On anything other than a very cold day it will start without it.

[smash]

I've just turned it over with king lead on plenum and getting a spark

[img]http://thumbsnap.com/s/wHE7ZPa2.jp ... m/wHE7ZPa2

I've pulled the ECU and am just resoldering just in case there's any dry joints

Fuel pressure gauge due next few days