Problem: MPFI Esteem Engine Shudder My MPFI Esteem (73000 Km) has been gradually developing a problem over the last few weeks: the engine shudders (excess vibration) during idle and while starting off. While running at high rpm, it is very smooth, has great acceleration and I am able to reach top speed quite easily. It is also running very efficiently (15+ Kmpl on the highway w/o AC).
I always let it warm up till the temp. gauge reaches at least the "C" mark; but that's when the vibration starts. (800 - 1000 RPM). If I rev up the engine in neutral, it runs smoothly. While starting off in 1st, the shuddering is evident only if I release the clutch quickly (but not fast enough to kill the engine). In reverse, the shuddering is quite bad, esp. if I'm trying to reverse up an incline.
Apart from this, I have also noticed the following:
1. Shuddering is more prominent when the electrical system is loaded (headlights on, AC blower on full speed(compressor off), radiator fan running).
- Generator & battery appears to be ok because I read 14Volts with my multimeter across the batt. terminals with the engine idling; Batt. puts out just over 12V with the engine off.
- The engine also shudders for a second if a transient heavy load is suddenly put on the electrical system. Ex. when the radiator fans starts or when the headlights (90/100 W) are swiched on.
2. My fuel pump has been emitting a faint whistling sound for the past 1 year now, I had not noticed it before and I have not heard a similar sound from other MPFI Esteems. When I switch on my hazzard lights, the pitch of the sound falls when the lights are glowing, then rises again when the lights are out.
3. When the car is first started after being parked for more than 2 - 3 days, white smoke (maybe CO) is emitted in the first 5 seconds of the engine running. (Coolant & oil levels are not dropping abnormally, so it can't be coolant / oil leaking into the cylinders)
4. Airfilter & Oil Filter was changed during my last oil change about 5000km back, spark plugs were last changed about 10,000Km back, this time they were just cleaned and their gaps were adjusted. Injectors were last serviced about 30,000 Km back.
5. I have been told by other Esteem owners & mechanics that my clutch pedal is slightly hard, but I dont find it a problem. It bites evenly and doesn't feel like it is slipping, even with hard acceleration.
I suspect that the problem could be caused by a combination of factors:
1. Fuel pump is weak / wiring to FP is old and dropping too much voltage
2. Injectors partially clogged
3. Clutch nearing the end of its life
I'm planning send the car to a MASS to get the problem looked at, but esp. since the parts I suspect are going to cost a bomb, I want to be sure of changing only what is necessary.
Guys / gals, let me know if anybody else has faced a similar problem and how it was solved.
Thanx,
- T u r b o C - |