On occasions when I have been out in the Zetec Cortina, it's had a few issues with intermittent power loss. I originally suspected the electric fuel pump but fitting a brand new Bosch item didn't make any difference.
The car has an 1996 Escort Si electronic fuel injection system and also has an ECU (Which I've since found out is also from an Escort Si) It also has a socket that an OBD code reader can be plugged into.
So, I borrowed a code reader and also had a friend come round with his super expensive Snap on item to try and read the problems I was having with this car. Unfortunately, neither code reader could connect to my ECU, so it was a wasted exercise. It could be that my ECU is too old to be read and is also not a tune-able item.
Through asking questions on various forums, I'd been told that my issues could be being caused by the MAF Sensor, which is an air flow sensor. So, I disconnected it to see if it made a difference, which it did. The car didn't hesitate when revved and the response was a lot quicker than with the sensor connected. I therefore decided to take a chance and order one to see if that cured my problem.
Within a few days, the sensor arrived and I soon had it fitted. I've kept the old one as apparently, these can be cleaned up and used again. (I always prefer to fit new though)
Initial tests seem positive, although the proof of the pudding will be when I can get the car out of the garage and take it for a test drive. (Which hopefully will be Sunday)
I have also booked the car in to Redline Tuning at Laindon for a tuning and mapping session on September 18th. The Escort Si ECU is only programmed for 115bhp and being a twin cam engine I'd prefer it if it produced a bit more power. (Although the original Lotus Cortina's were only 105bhp anyway)
It certainly drives quick enough, but I might be looking at changing the fueling system at some point in the future to get a few horses out of it, so it may pay to upgrade the ECU now anyway. Watch this space!
No comments:
Post a Comment