escort 1.4. Tickover too high?

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Wed 30 May 2007 00:18
escort 1.4. Tickover too high? - JustMike
Good evening fellow petrolheads,

Have just bought a 51 Escort van with LPG conversion and it goes very well and cheaply. It is a bit slow to return to tickover when on overrun but settles to about 800rpm which seems a bit high.
At its recent MOT the mechanic suggested marking the idle speed control valve then taking out its retaining bolts and rotating the valve a touch to reduce the revs. I took the valve off but the set screw holes are not slotted so it looks as though it cant change position.
The stop for the throttle is just a 1/8 stud but although that looks as though its threaded into the alloy housing - it doesnt look adjustable.
Its just the same on petrol or gas . How do I slow it down and /or make it shut off better on overrun, please ?

You havent let me down yet so thanks in anticipation,

Mike
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Wed 30 May 2007 01:07
escort 1.4 - Screwloose
Mike

800rpm is about right for tickover; no adjustment possible - it's programmed into the software.

"Idle flare" and high idle until the vehicle stops moving is a different matter. These use a complex and sophisticated method of determining when the throttle is shut and it requires everything to work perfectly or....

Ford have tried all sorts of mods to fix this on these engines. As petrol Escort vans on a 51-plate are as rare as hens teeth; can you just confirm exactly what engine is in it? Is it an 8-valve CVH or a 16-valve Zetec of some type?

I do have a bodge for the throttle sensor; but check the plugs on the injection loom for corrosion first and try disconnecting the vehicle speed sensor for a short test.
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Wed 30 May 2007 08:23
escort 1.4 - jc2
Correct idle speed on this engine is 850 rpm.
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Sat 2 Jun 2007 23:33
escort 1.4 - JustMike
Hi Screwloose,

Thanks for the advice - sorry I have been slow in replying - been away working - using the Escort at 6p per mile - good old gas.
I think its an 8 valve CVH "old" type unit - I suspect Ford used these up on the run -out Escorts. The "flare" idle you mention may be the problem - I will try to check the injector and other connections - it runs fine but is a bit reluctant to slow down until the revs eventually drop off . Thanks again.
May I come back to you for bodge solution if I cant sort it, please ?

Mike
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