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MG MGF Technical - Revs sticking at 2000 RPM at Idle

Hi, I am having an ocaisional problem with my 1998 MGF VVC where the revs stick at 2000rpm when I take my foot of the accelerator. If I blip the pedal they drop back to 1000rpm as normal. This happens only occaisionally and when the engine is both warm and cold. I have checked the accelerator cable as best I can and it appears to be well greased and in good condition so I don't think it is that causing the problem. Could it be an engine management problem? Does anyone have any other ideas?

I also find that sometimes I can't get the gears into reverse without either pumping the clutch or putting into 1st first. Is this a common fault?

I also get some engine rattle - a sound that sounds just like my old metro when the tappets were misalligned - anything I can do to rectify this?

Thanks for any help.

Richard
Richard Rowland

>> the revs stick at 2000rpm when I take my foot of the accelerator. If I blip the pedal they drop back to 1000rpm as normal... Could it be an engine management problem? Does anyone have any other ideas?<<

Not a MEMS problem. More likely is that the throttle is sticking. Two causes for this:
1. Carbon deposits can stop the throttle from closing properly. Cleaning will help this (can even use a carb-cleaner spray)
2. The throttle body - yours is likely to be black plastic - can warp if a non-standard jubilee clip is used to attach the air filter (common as the cars get older and mechanics get lazier). Replacement is the best cure - and there are two options of alloy throttle body available - the standard size 48mm throttle, and the 'Trophy 160' 52mm throttle. The latter is a good fun upgrade! :o)

>>I also find that sometimes I can't get the gears into reverse without either pumping the clutch or putting into 1st first. Is this a common fault?<<

Not so much a 'fault,' more a 'feature' LOL
Don't worry about it.

>>I also get some engine rattle - a sound that sounds just like my old metro when the tappets were misalligned - anything I can do to rectify this?<<

First check the oil level. Low engine oil can cause the hydraulic tappets to become noisey - in fact this is usually the first sign!
Then, if the tappets remain noisey despite a normal oil level, get the engine thoroughly flushed. Gunk in the tappets can cause them to become 'lazy' and subsequently noisy. These are reliable components - and shouldn't require replacement.
If they DO need replacing, it gets a little expensive, as you'll need to replace all 16!
Rob Bell

This thread was discussed on 04/02/2003

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