914 won't idle when warm, HELP!
 

Hello everyone,

My girlfriend has a 74 2.0 914. When it gets warmed up after 25 minutes of driving or so, it will not idle. The car idles at 900 and always starts right up, but after it is good and warmed up, it will die at a stop, then will not idle properly until it cools down. I would appreciate any and all help!! THANKS.

Fastlos
86 Powerhaus Stage 1 930
68 AMX
97 GMC Z-71
Future FIA Champion Son, Mateo

Check the folowing

ignition timing

Vacuum hoses for leaks

Check that the head temp sensor is plugged in. Sometimes it can unplug itself but still look plugged in.

Check all the hoses and wires. Make sure they are plugged in, to the right places, and are not cracked or brittle.

Then check the ignition system thoroughly.

Then check the fuel pressure--should be 29 PSI all the time the fuel pump is running.

Then check the valve clearances and the compression of the engine.

Then dig through http://members.rennlist.com/pbanders and checking the individual FI parts.

--DD

Will check, Thanks so much guys.

Fastlos

Start with the valve adjustment that Dave mentioned. It's a classic problem that if the valves are too tight you will get this behaviour. Make sure that you adjust your valves with the engine dead cold, not just cool. Let it sit overnight and do the adjustment in the morning. If you've still got a problem after the valve adjust, then go look for the other stuff.

"My girlfriend has a 74 2.0 914."

Probably one of the best thing's i've read in a post. Your So lucky!!!!
Eric

I am the luckiest guy around when it comes to that. She is also beautiful, smart, and sexy. Wow, what did I do right? :))

Does it run OK at 900 -1 000 rpm if you hold the throttle open a little? Could also be that some former 'mechanic' didn't understand the function of the auxiliary air valve. The car should idle faster than 900 when it first starts and then drop back to 900 when it is warm. Make sure the idle air screw is not closed off too far.

I'm in agreement with Will - you set the idle when the car is fully warm. So, when the idle is low as you say after the car is warmed up, THAT's when you set the idle. Open the bleed screw to 900 rpm. Now, as it cools down, what do you see? If the idle goes up to something like 1000 to 1100 rpm, then that's OK. If it goes up to 2K, that's a problem, and you need to go through the whole system (mechanical/ignition/fuel) to pin down the causes. Check my web page for information about idle stability and how to address it.

Thanks for all your help guys, the car is at the shop now hopefully gatting fixed. Our mechanic has your posts and agreed with your suggestions. THANKS!

Fastlos
86 930 (rocket)
68 AMX
97 Z-71 GMC
Future Race Car Driver Son, Mateo