Tick over revs for Z3

[windym]

Hi guys, since getting the thermostat sorted the Z is running great. So obviously it was over-fuelling, I had it out on the motorway today, (yes top down) it pulls and revs very freely. I wanted to get the cat hot and give the car a de-coke after the months of it running rich, with a broken exhaust.

I am assuming the period of not running right may give rise to other problems, I am going to have another service on it in a couple of weeks time. Today after coming off the motorway the revs dropped on tick-over to about 450, this in turn brought the oil pressure light on(flickering).

Gave the throttle a dab and instantly went out, I have searched the net for idle speed and found loads of opinions as to what it should be, from 600 to 900. Does anyone on here know what the idle speed should be, the Z at the moment is at about 600 with no light issues.

Having owned this Z with the stat problems and the temp not getting out of the blue, the idle was all over the show. So just starting to get to grips with the running speed and temp.

Cheers guys any advice would be great.

Andy

 

[bertiejaffa]

My 2.0l ticks over at 600rpm. However, if I am ever stuck in traffic for a long period the oil light can flicker. People have suggested it is the Crank Case breather Valve (theres been a post on .net recently where it was replaced) that could be causing it. to be honest it never really bothers me enough - a slight touch of throttle and it goes, but its too infrequently for me to raise the RPM to 700

 

[windym]

My 2.0l ticks over at 600rpm. However, if I am ever stuck in traffic for a long period the oil light can flicker. People have suggested it is the Crank Case breather Valve (theres been a post on .net recently where it was replaced) that could be causing it. to be honest it never really bothers me enough - a slight touch of throttle and it goes, but its too infrequently for me to raise the RPM to 700

Hi thanks, I was considering changing the oil pressure sensor if it happened again. At 600 it is fine just when the revs dropped I am considering cleaning the throttle body assembly with the next service.

Andy

 

[Brian H]

The 1.9 has an agricultural idle at best however I would change your oil before you do anything, if you have run for a while lift off you oil filler cap and smell the oil, I but it has a strong smell of petrol.

Another common problem on the 1.9 is the cam sensor, easy enough to change but when failing will affect the idle.

 

[windym]

The 1.9 has an agricultural idle at best however I would change your oil before you do anything, if you have run for a while lift off you oil filler cap and smell the oil, I but it has a strong smell of petrol.

Another common problem on the 1.9 is the cam sensor, easy enough to change but when failing will affect the idle.

Hi thanks there was a cam sensor fault that was cleared and so far has not re-appeared and no petrol smell in the oil. It is being serviced again next week so may use a thicker oil.

Andy

 

[Sean d]

Hi thanks there was a cam sensor fault that was cleared and so far has not re-appeared and no petrol smell in the oil. It is being serviced again next week so may use a thicker oil.

Andy

Bmw recommend a thinner oil for older engines

 

[pgunter]

I use 0w30 Castrol Edge fully synthetic. Runs like a dream. Yes she uses a little oil, but we all like a drink. Plus the M54 is known to enjoy oil.

A small price to pay for the smiles.

 

[oldcarman]

The lighter oil viscosity doesn't remain as the oil heats up! It thickens to the higher number quickly to protect the engine from the heat being generated. So zero or five weight oil viscosity just makes turning the engine over easier!! JIM