UK Car Repair: vauxhall calibra, vauxhall calibra, coolant temp

Question
i have a vauxhall calibra 2ltr ecotec 1995 and when i start it up from cold it runs rough but when it has run for a couple of minutes it runs smoother. i have cleaned the throttle body and it run fine for three days but has now started running rough again. it sounds like it is miss fireing. i have also changed the plugs and leads but that has not helped at all.if you could help me in any way i would be greatfull cheers tony.

Answer
Tony,

After some research I have narrowed it down to a probable stuck egr valve.

This can be checked by removing the valve, cleaning it out with carb cleaner and refitting it with a new gasket to see if the problem goes away intermittently or completely.

If it does, regardless of how well it cleaned up, you must replace the EGR valve and try to keep tabs on it. Use antiseize on all the threads and buy a few extra gaskets for the new one. Every six to ten months or so, take the new one off and clean it out, then reinstall. That is the poop I have heard from a few friends with ECOTEC racecars.

Also, conceder this opportunity to replace the failure prone coolant temp sensor and do a full flush and fill on the coolant system. Remember to flush the system and then use distilled water with your antifreeze to maintain a clean system.

That’s all the muck that’s fit to rake this time round.
Good luck and happy motoring!

Regards,


John