I hope that someone out there may be able to help. I have read through the posting of similar issues and have worked my way through the suggestions but have not yet found the problem. Although I have learnt far more about engines in doing so.


The car has 194K miles on the clock and has recently developed a rough idle when it came back from the garage having had it MOT and cam belt changed. The old one apparently had a bit of play in it.


The car idles poorly – she sounds like she is going to stall but has not done so yet. Idles about 750 rpm on the dial and it get smoothed out by bring the revs up. I am getting 40 mpg which is what I normally get. Apart from idling she runs fine.


My 1st question – if the timing belt was incorrectly fitted would that cause these symptoms as the garage discounted this ?


So far I have cleaned / checked / tested various components. A friend has a snap-on diagnostics computer so have been able to do component level testing.


The MAF has been cleaned and checks out OK


The ICV has been cleaned and checks out OK


The ECU was reporting a problem with the O2 sensor and this has been replaced.


Have checked for vacuum leaks with WD40 and can't find any.


Have cleaned the PCV valve and it rattles well.


Found the PCV hose collapsed as it goes into the throttle body yesterday and got all excited. Fitted a spring inside to keep the tube open before I got a new one and it did not solve the problem.


Throttle position sensor is OK


Have checked for leaks on the throttle body – none found


Breather hose to the air filter is clear.


1.8l does not have a EGR – this was suggested on some of the other postings as a problem.


Anybody with a more ideas on things to check please ??

 

The timing had been set up incorrectly. now works fine.

 

Was going to say mate, one tooth out causes above issues plus poor performance.