Engine surging problem ( not Pulsar, diesel engine ! )

[AJ4]

I have a Ford Escort van, 1.8 diesel ( non-turbo ). Sometimes when I'm cruising along at part throttle, it suddenly rockets off of its own accord ! Strangely enough, it accelerates faster when it does this than when I put my foot flat on the floor, its as if the engine suddenly finds another 50 bhp from somewhere...

At first I thought it was the clutch slipping and then catching again, but I've put a new clutch in it and it hasn't cured it.

Not very good with diesel engines, so any help appreciated

Do you think that there might be some sort of limiter fitted, that is intermittently switching on and off ? It feels fast as f--k when it happens !

Cheers,

Ross.

P.s, no sarcy comments about owning a Fix Or Repair Daily, its my company van workhorse...!

 

[gtir_john]

does it smoke excessively on start up.

 

[geoff pine]

turbo problem had this problem today in an alfa 2.4 jtd recoverd by aa will know tomorow its on its way to the local alfa dealer.

 

[Fire & skill]

this is normal for a 1.8d escort van mate :? put the foot down and nothing happens, then lift the pedal off the floor progressively then all of a sudden it picks up speed

 

[AJ4]

turbo problem had this problem today in an alfa 2.4 jtd

The only turbo problem it has is,... it doesn't have one he he

I have a Ford Escort van, 1.8 diesel ( non-turbo )

Doesn't smoke on startup, seems to run fine if a bit sluggish. Does exactly what F&S says, slowly letting up the accelerator releases a 100 shot of nitrous :shock: :shock:

Really p**sing me off... :evil:

 

[Fire & skill]

you could also have camshaft probs - i know it sounds daft but the cylinder could fill with fuel, then burn it off rapidly :lol:

 

[zia]

what year is it? as some on 91-92 onward's had electronic pump timing control by i think by ecu on the passenger side.you plug flash code reader on them. there's a three pin plug on the engine bay (somewhere)
if it isn,t then check the basic. cable travel at full/ part throttle travel. pump timing?

 

[DOT2DOT]

Does it sound a lot louder (knockier) when this happens?

 

[Ash10]

Sometimes when I'm cruising along at part throttle, it suddenly rockets off of its own accord...

...Officer :lol: :twisted:

Is it drinking any oil (for a diesel)?

 

[AJ4]

I think you might be right Zia, it kinds feel like fuel pressure is increasing and surging , could be related...I think I'll stick a spare FPR on there and see what its doing...

F&S, not sure if your comment was serious or not Could be another idea I suppose, if the cam belt was exceptionally loose, backing off the throttle would move the timing around...

<added for Keiron, 'valve' timing, not 'ignition' timing :roll: :lol: >

 

[AJ4]

doesn't knock, smoke or do anything untoward when it happens, justs goes a lot faster then normal. Doesn't use any oil at all.

 

[geoff pine]

sorry aj4 was half asleep been along weekend and standing in the cold on a motorway numbs your brain

 

[AJ4]

lol @ geoff