My 1994 1.1 Ford Fiesta is trying to die peacefully, but I want to keep it going - can anyone help diagnose ?

Question

The idle speed was erratic - I seemed to be able to control this by regularly cleaning out the air intake, hoses that link air filter to oil filler cap etc. from gunk that collects due to water in the oil ( head gasket ? ) but now the idle speed is too high when started, settles down, but then is too high when accelerator is depressed - so in between gear changes when driving etc. When stationary, revs settle down again. Had a look in the haynes man. but all I could get from this is that it might be the ' engine management system " - erm... what does this mean ( in terms of difficulty, cost etc. ) ??? Really, it's on it's last legs (?) I know, but if I can make it chug on a bit longer....I'd appreciate any help - THANKS

Answer 1

The erratic idling will likely be the air mass flow sensor. Should be able to get one for a few £££'s at a scrappy. I certainly wouldn't be spending too much on it as you have diagnosed a head gasket about to pop.

Answer 2

Is ur fiesta a 1.1 injection? take off the air cleaner and look at the injection unit on the right hand side. Check any hoses connected to it hasnt come offor has worked loose. his hapened to my sons car, the engine reved too high on tick over, it was a hose not replaced that was the prob, he put it back on an the engine was fine.

Answer 3

Put a light spring on at the carburetor end to pull the cable back and
then adjust the slow running, AFTER you oil all cables/connections
You May find that this will help as the whole accelerator system is probably a bit worn and sticky.

Answer 4

cost you more to fix it than buy another cheap car, maybe rpm sensor, air flow sensor maybe

Answer 5

spending bad money get rid!