So, I am working through all the problems on my SD1, I now have hot air from the vents so I dont freeze, the car ticks over well and is running "OK", I say "OK" because it is still drinking petrol and I cant figure out why (13mpg combined and driving as gently as I can!).

As a break from the fuel consumption issues, I am trying to get the crusie control working. The fuse is OK and everything looks OK apart from a thin hose which is not attached to anything. I think it is to the vacuum switch that cuts the unit off when the brake is pressed? Can anyone tell me where it is and what the best route to getting at it is as I cant find it!

Thanks

Chris

1985 3500 VDP EFI

Hello again! - is this the same Briggsy or just a carbon copy??

briggy2007 wrote:

So, I am working through all the problems on my SD1, I now have hot air from the vents so I dont freeze, the car ticks over well and is running "OK", I say "OK" because it is still drinking petrol and I cant figure out why (13mpg combined and driving as gently as I can!). Before you get depressed about fuel consumption it may be a computer interface error similar to this. Only registered users can see links on this forum! Register or Login on forum! Check your consumption in the traditional way by taking milage readings between two full tanks of petrol. As a break from the fuel consumption issues, I am trying to get the crusie control working. The fuse is OK and everything looks OK apart from a thin hose which is not attached to anything. I think it is to the vacuum switch that cuts the unit off when the brake is pressed? Can anyone tell me where it is and what the best route to getting at it is as I cant find it! The vacuum dump switch is mounted on a bracket along with the stop switch high up behind the drivers glove box activated by an adjustable bolt (?stop?) on the pedal. Take off the drivers glove box and practice contortion, otherwise remove drivers seat and steering wheel and its easy peasy. Your cruise control manual shows how it is adjusted and where the pipes go.. (The double lines shown on page 7 onwards) The stop switch also must be operational for cruise to work correctly.

Thanks, yes it is the same briggsy!

For the stop switch, I was looking behind the dash, under the bonnet but didnt think behind the glove box! Silly I know but I just didnt twig! but more of that in a minute!

As for the fuel consumption, if I go by the computer, I get an average of 2mpg! I am calculating the consumption by mileage between tanks and am definately getting only 13mpg but I havent got half way through your checks yet in the book! Although I do know that the coolant temperature is OK! I am trying but my only other car DIY experience is my 65 B roadster so all this modern gadgetery is a bit confusing! But, now I have heat and have that encouragement, I am full of beans again and have a night planned tomorrow to carry on investigating all the other issues!

As for the stop switch, I have been and had a look and can see the switch and the plastic tube coming from it but it is a clear tube about 7mm in diameter, the loose one I have found under the bonnet is a black one and much smaller but the diagrams show that these should be linked so there must be a join in the bulkhead somewhere! I will keep on looking! Please keep reading my silly posts and questions, I will get the idea eventually!

Regards

Chris

Your spark plugs must be pretty black, so gorra be running super rich, surprised it runs.

Maybe you are hitting on something there, they are not too bad really, they may be a bit on the rich side but the very tips are just about biscuit brown. If its not running rich, then maybe I have a fuel leak, I havent seen any puddles but maybe I should start looking a bit more! I checked the miles I drove against my Tom Tom last week, 30 miles to work and back according to TomTom and I did 30 miles on the electronic trip so the milage is correct.

Can be any of the following, temp sensor, injector(s) leaking, pressure regulator at 36psi all the time, AFM malajusted, ECU banjaxed, Throt pot ditto. Read all the web site component reviews for enhanced test processes above and beyond my manual.

Yep, i will systematically get through all these one at a time.

The modern gadgetry on your car is 20+ years old and one of the last to be readily understood by the diy owner. Keep plugging away!

Well, I did argue with the wife for months to let me get the car so I cant accept failure! I may have to get a £100 fiesta banger to use for a while though because the fuel bills are mounting now! Then i can scrap it once the Rover is back to full health!

There will be a hole in the bulkhead and some angle joins to mate those two pipes, if they are not all there just get some replacement tube capable of NOT collapsing under vacuum.

Will check tonight (wife is running over jumps in muddy fields with dogs!)

Thanks for your help! Is it like suddenly playing rugby league after 10 years of union switching forums!?