Jacknick1

Thanks Guys, You were spot-on! And saved me a lot of time besides. As soon as I lifted the engine lid I noticed the vacuum pipe had disconnected itself from the rubber elbow on the manifold. A quick adjustment and now the car's fine. Once again, you chaps on the forum saved the day. Cheers.

Cheers guys, Will try to have a look at the car today. Will keep you posted.

Hi Guys, After two or three months of relatively trouble-free motoring, my Turbo SE is registering a Code 33. I've got the main error codes written down and it says that Code 33 is Manifold Pressure High. The problem didn't occur when driving, only becoming apparent when starting on the driveway. The engine starts alright, but after about 15 secs when the ECU calls for data from the sensors, it won't tick over. I assume this is to avoid engine damage. Does anyone know what the problem might be? Or how I can remedy it? I'm thinking a turbo related problem, the Wastegate or such-like. But the boost gauge isn't showing any undue pressure at tickover. Any ideas?

!!!! Andy C fixed my 'Spree. !!! Wow, what a difference an experienced eye makes. Just to update everybody - I'd recently bought a car with a persistent misfire at low revs/low throttle opening, and a faulty chargecooler impellor. So, to begin my repairs in no particular order, I disconnected the battery and started by sorting out the chargecooler. With this done, I proceeded with bridging terminals A and B on the ALDL connector to try and retrieve some error codes. And to my dismay...nothing. In disconnecting the battery, I had inadvertently reset my ECU. I had assumed that several minutes of driving would 're-educate' the ECU, but a full two hours or more were needed before the 'Check Engine' light appeared once more. ...By which time my car was sitting in the driveway of a certain Mr Andy Clements. He'd already spotted the dubious aftermarket oxygen sensor, and was just about to get on his way to his very own Lotus Parts facility nearby, when we noticed the Code 13 Error flashing on the dash. His doubts were thus confirmed. All that remains to be said, is a huge thanks to Andy for the experienced eye and great deal of help when my car needed it most. And to reiterate what so many of you have already said...'STAY AWAY FROM THESE DODGY NON-GENUINE SENSORS!!!!!!' And thanks to all that have contributed in this thread. Cheers guys.

Thanks Jim, You're right, I've been messing around all day and it's made no difference. I've been in contact with a guy who is going to let me run a freescan some time soon, so hopefully I'll shortly have the problem diagnosed. One thing I have noticed though, the problem seems to be directly related to throttle opening. Even at revs below 3000 when the misfire is apparent, as soon as you depress the throttle it splutters up to about 2500 then revs up without missing a beat. Okay if you want to raz all over the place, but annoying nontheless. This leads me to thinking that the coils are ok, as a misfire would surely be apparent all the time if not? I'll let you know the results of the freescan as soon as...

Hi Andy, Many thanks for responding. I've just been checking my laptop and it doesn't seem to have a serial port. Though I may be able to purchase an adapter if necessary. As it stands, I'm still putting the exhaust back together after investigating the EBPV. It seems the previous owner has done what many have appeared to have done by jamming the valve open and blanking-off the vac pipe to the solenoid. Unfortunately, the throttle jack and all its vacuum connections are still in place. I'm going to try to put this right today. It'll be great to be able to do a freescan and see what other gremlins are lying in wait. It's a relief to know there are other owners close by, as I was beginning to feel lost at sea. I've got your number, I'll give you a call when the car is up and running. Once again, thanks for responding. P.S. I also saw the Esprit that was for sale in Brandon. I was beginning to wish I'd bought that one.

A quick update - Have spoken to Dave Massey (in technical) as suggested by Bibs. He's pointed me in the direction of the Exhaust Pressure valve thing, and the throttle jack. Investigations showed the Exhaust valve to be jammed open (as recommended by almost everyone as far as I can tell) and the vac pipe going back to the solenoid to be blanked off. However, the throttle jack is still in position and the vac pipe to this is still in place. I'm hoping this might be the cause of my troubles. I'm going to attempt removing this today and blanking the vac pipe as described on the Australian Esprit Forum. Here's hoping...

Hi Chaps, I know it sounds cheeky, but can anyone help me out with a 'freescan' in the Norfolk area? I've blown my budget on buying the car and only have minimal funds available to get it running nicely. You'll see my misfire problems described previously in the 'Engine/Ancilliaries' section, and I'm now getting desperate. I have no problems travelling to you, if you prefer. And I'll gladly pay an agreed fee. I live in Dereham. Thanks.

Cheers mate, To be honest, I'll try anything at this point. One thing I forgot to mention though was that when I linked terminals A and B (using the bodgy paperclip method), not only did I get a constant Code 12 and no errors - but the cooling fans ran also. Is this normal, or is there something more sinister going on?

Took the car for a spin today (for at least half an hour), in an attempt to get some errors logged. Still the annoying misfire at low revs after startup. Unable to get the 'Check Engine' light to appear, no matter how hard I tried. It used to come on prior to my fixing the chargecooler pump, yet I still expected to see it with the persistent misfire problem. But nothing. When I got home I bridged terminals A and B, but still got nothing but a code 12. No error codes at all. Does this mean that my ECU/Memcal is shot? Any ideas?

That's unbelievable. I love S1's. To think you brought it back to this kind of condition... I have a 1990 Turbo SE with misfire problems. Nothing compared to what you had on your plate. I'm starting to feel inadequate. Well done.

Hi Malc, Yes, it's the same car. I don't know about ride height as I have no experience of Esprits. But then I thought the car was quick, even though I recently found out it was running in 'Limp Home' mode. Can't wait to get it sorted and find out how great these things really are. I've just put the chargecooler pump back together and had the engine running to do a check, but because I've had the battery disconnected the ECU seems to have 'forgotten' all the errors. I don't know how long it takes to re-learn but I've had it running for a couple of minutes and it still only registers a Code 12. I agree, it would be great if there was someone local with the Freescan equipment. I live in Dereham, Norfolk, if there are any takers. Oh, and to answer Mangel's previous question, the Paint Code is IAJB Steel Blue.

Rain stopped play. Will try again today.

Thanks guys, Just picked the chargecooler impellor up from the shop. Didn't realize all you guys were vouching for the electrical pump - too late now, but nevermind. When this one crumbles to pieces I'll do the sensible thing. Haven't tried a diagnostic yet, as the engine is still in bits. But am hoping to get it done this pm. Oh yeah, I haven't got the freescan gear so I'm trying the paperclip in the ALDL socket method that I've seen described. I'll let you know if I can make head or tail of the flashing lights. Here's hoping...

Hi Mangel, Thanks for your advice. The log book says my car is metallic blue, but I agree with you it looks like graphite. I don't think it's a respray as it's got all the original stickers etc, under the bonnet (front), including the paint code. I must admit, I haven't referenced the official colour description yet. Maybe someone out there can save me the trouble?