MGZT 190 lumpy cold start up

Bob Walker · 8th December 2021, 07:05

Dear All
Has anyone else experienced a lumpy and stuttering cold start up on a KV6 190? My car has been fine in all weathers, for well over two years and last month, not having driven the car for a week (fixed it for its MOT!), started it up and it was a very laboured lumpy experience! This morning the day after storm Barra, started it up, it want it wasn't happy and just about ticked over, I revved it a couple of times and then everything 'seemed' ok on my 25 mile drive to work. This only happens in the morning. Is it a sensor or something on the ignition side, such as coils or ht leads which I suspect are 19 years old. I did replace the spark plugs in the summer with the correct ones.
Any advice will be gratefully received.
Bob

SD1too · 8th December 2021, 07:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Walker

This morning the day after storm Barra, started it up, it wasn't happy ....

Don't panic Bob. Wait and see if it happens again before considering an investigation.

Simon

Bob Walker · 8th December 2021, 10:33

Many thanks Simon, it has done this a few times since early November.
It drove perfectly to work this morning but definitely wasn't happy this morning!!
Bob

SD1too · 8th December 2021, 11:00

Hi Bob,

You say that it only happens in the morning, i.e. after a literally cold start. It's under those conditions that any engine tuning defects show their ugly face. So if I were in your shoes I'd be checking the air filter for cleanliness, that the battery is fully charged by using a smart charger at least overnight and making sure that those sparking plugs are clean and tightened to the correct torque with their leads securely pressed home. Have a look at the crankcase breather tube 'T' piece as well as the joints are well known for cracking.
It would also be worth withdrawing the VIS actuators to make sure that the balance flap isn't stuck in mid position and the power linkage is free to move.

Simon

Bob Walker · 8th December 2021, 12:08

Hi Simon
In the summer, as well as replacing the spark plugs, I replaced the viz motors with an upgraded pair from Stocktake, the filter is a new K and N one and I have replaced the breather tubes in the summer as well. I just looked at them and they fell to bits!! The battery is a new one and the inlet manifold is a replacement. I have always had a slight rattle when the engine is cold, hence the reason for the manifold change. I'm not a perfectionist but I like things to be right!
I'll do some investigation work once my work at school settles down!
Thank you again for your advice and I will report back once I have solved the problem!

COLVERT · 8th December 2021, 20:58

Spray the plug leads wiring and coils with WD 40.

It would seem you are suffering from mild damp on the leads in those early morning starts. A cheap and quick cure.

Bob Walker · 9th December 2021, 07:19

Many thanks Colvert,
Surprisingly, this morning, which was cold and damp in North Yorkshire, it didn't do it!
I will get the spray can out!
Bob

COLVERT · 10th December 2021, 20:32

Let us know how you get on and if the non starts have gone away.

8th December 2021, 07:05	#1
Bob Walker Loves to post MGZT Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: Richmond Posts: 255 Thanks: 26 Thanked 80 Times in 45 Posts	MGZT 190 lumpy cold start up Dear All Has anyone else experienced a lumpy and stuttering cold start up on a KV6 190? My car has been fine in all weathers, for well over two years and last month, not having driven the car for a week (fixed it for its MOT!), started it up and it was a very laboured lumpy experience! This morning the day after storm Barra, started it up, it want it wasn't happy and just about ticked over, I revved it a couple of times and then everything 'seemed' ok on my 25 mile drive to work. This only happens in the morning. Is it a sensor or something on the ignition side, such as coils or ht leads which I suspect are 19 years old. I did replace the spark plugs in the summer with the correct ones. Any advice will be gratefully received. Bob

8th December 2021, 10:33	#3
Bob Walker Loves to post MGZT Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: Richmond Posts: 255 Thanks: 26 Thanked 80 Times in 45 Posts	Thanks Simon Many thanks Simon, it has done this a few times since early November. It drove perfectly to work this morning but definitely wasn't happy this morning!! Bob

8th December 2021, 11:00	#4
SD1too Doesn't do things by halves Rover 75 2.5 Connoisseur Auto (1999) Dealer launch model. Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Former Middlesex Posts: 20,336 Thanks: 1,587 Thanked 3,749 Times in 3,181 Posts	Hi Bob, You say that it only happens in the morning, i.e. after a literally cold start. It's under those conditions that any engine tuning defects show their ugly face. So if I were in your shoes I'd be checking the air filter for cleanliness, that the battery is fully charged by using a smart charger at least overnight and making sure that those sparking plugs are clean and tightened to the correct torque with their leads securely pressed home. Have a look at the crankcase breather tube 'T' piece as well as the joints are well known for cracking. It would also be worth withdrawing the VIS actuators to make sure that the balance flap isn't stuck in mid position and the power linkage is free to move. Simon __________________ "Whatever is rightly done, however humble, is noble." Sir Henry Royce.

8th December 2021, 12:08	#5
Bob Walker Loves to post MGZT Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: Richmond Posts: 255 Thanks: 26 Thanked 80 Times in 45 Posts	Thank you Simon! Hi Simon In the summer, as well as replacing the spark plugs, I replaced the viz motors with an upgraded pair from Stocktake, the filter is a new K and N one and I have replaced the breather tubes in the summer as well. I just looked at them and they fell to bits!! The battery is a new one and the inlet manifold is a replacement. I have always had a slight rattle when the engine is cold, hence the reason for the manifold change. I'm not a perfectionist but I like things to be right! I'll do some investigation work once my work at school settles down! Thank you again for your advice and I will report back once I have solved the problem! Last edited by Bob Walker; 8th December 2021 at 12:11.. Reason: typo

9th December 2021, 07:19	#7
Bob Walker Loves to post MGZT Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: Richmond Posts: 255 Thanks: 26 Thanked 80 Times in 45 Posts	Thanks Colvert! Many thanks Colvert, Surprisingly, this morning, which was cold and damp in North Yorkshire, it didn't do it! I will get the spray can out! Bob

8th December 2021, 20:58	#6
COLVERT This is my second home R75 Saloon. Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: France/or Devon. Posts: 14,003 Thanks: 3,851 Thanked 2,167 Times in 1,816 Posts	Spray the plug leads wiring and coils with WD 40. It would seem you are suffering from mild damp on the leads in those early morning starts. A cheap and quick cure.

10th December 2021, 20:32	#8
COLVERT This is my second home R75 Saloon. Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: France/or Devon. Posts: 14,003 Thanks: 3,851 Thanked 2,167 Times in 1,816 Posts	Let us know how you get on and if the non starts have gone away.

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