QuestionQUESTION: Hi Ron,
You've been an excellent resource since I've been involved with this car.Volvo 1800E,1972 Fuel injected.
I changed the dist. cap,wires,rotor plugs,air filter,gas filter.changed the oil and filter and went for the pertronix electronic ignition.Car is running a little rough.I have it set at the correct idle of 800 rpm.When I take the car up to any cruising speed above 12 mph it sounds fine but if I'm at a light and the car is in drive it sounds like something is sticking and there's a rumble until I get going again.Someone recommended adding Marvel mystery oil to the gas and oil.What do you think?
ANSWER: was the sound there prior to the pertronix instalation?
If not your timing could be off, try advancing just a bit. I am not a fan of additives unless it is a last resort. Have you had the injectors refurbished? Idle miss and loping can be caused by poorly functioning injectors.
have you adjusted the valve lash?. Valves are another noise maker at idle. If you have a timing chain it can also make noises and requires immediate attention. You may want to pull the valve cover and take a look for stretch.
Sorry without hearing it I am a little behind the 8 ball. I hope this helps. Anything else you can tell me might help. Good luck
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QUESTION: The pertronix made the car run better for sure.The timing was checked and the throttle was adjusted when the pertronix was installed.It wa after the oil change that i began noticing this.However the mechanic that aadjusted the timing and throttle for me told me it's running rough.would it be wise to clean the injectors?Refurbishing ? is that something That I could do or is it something that should be sent out and if so where?Thanks Again for your speedy response.It always amazes me after answering close to 900 questions how few questioners actually respond with gratitude for the excellent advice they receive and don't even take the 2 seconds to rate and thank the expert.This makes me more grateful to your speedy reply and expertise.
ANSWER: No problem, I enjoy old cars and helping others helps myself.
Injectors - they can only be refurbished, and not all can. DO you know what kind of system you have?
I highly recomend these guys
http://www.witchhunter.com
go to thier site, or better yet email or call them they may be able to tell you if your injectors are worth refurbishing. I just did mine and it made a big improvement in my engine idle and pick up. Actually two of mine were bad. Mine new are in the range of 50 -100$
but some are pretty cheap new
TO replace is a bit tricky depending on your system. The fuel lines are under pressure so once relieved it is a matter of taking them out, sending them off and then replacing. You must have all new fuel lines handy and new fuel clamps. It is not a task for the beginner. Be careful any time you work with gas lines. I always disconnect the battery.
You could try some over the counter injector cleaner ( techtron is the best) but if they have never been serviced I suspect they could be possible cause of your woes. It is unlikely timing would cause a miss at idle, and it sounds like fuel delivery
Have the valves been adjusted?
Follow up
I did some looking
Looks like you have a D Jet sytem, Bosch - pretty similar to mine. They can be refurbished , Do you have a service manual?
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QUESTION: Thanks again,I checked out the site and I'll remove the injectors and send them off.I have the service manual and chiltons.They basically explain how to remove the injectors,looks straightforward.The valves haven't been adjusted .What do you suggest I do first ?Is the valve adjustment complicated?
AnswerI think you will be amazed at how much better she will run after the injectors are done. Get some new fuel hose ( it may be metric, so you may have to order) I use this place they are great - http://www.autohausaz.com. Make sure you have the right fuel line clamps. When taking out the injectors have a small vacuum ready or use compressed air to blow out around the injectors prior to removal or you will get bits down into your injector holes. Also before you replace, have new seals and gaskets ready to go. It is very important to seal the system so that no air is introduced while it is running.
Valves are pretty easy but you may need a special crows foot tool to adjust. All you do is turn cylinder until lobe on cam is in position ( usually perpendicular) and measure lash.
You will need feeler gauges, valve lash specifications, and a new valve cover gasket.
If they have not been done in awhile the valve bolts may be hard to move but I have used a small breaker bar with success.
I would definitely do the injectors, you may find out that one or two are bad. I would also suggest the valves be done. Turning the engine by hand would be easy with the injectors out ( less compression). Valve lash adjustment will ensure that the exhaust clears fully before the next combustion stroke, another cause of rough idle. Keep me posted, seems like you are on the verge to getting her running smoothly. I will do a little research on my end on your car and let you know if I find anything unusual
