Normally my engine idles a notch over 500 rpm, but occasionally drops a notch below (A/C is off) and starts shaking. In 1-2 minutes goes back up and runs smoothly. There is no loss of power or increased consumption (I think), so I'm thinking it's the idle control valve. Is it worth replacing, or cleaning it would do fine? Any write-ups or ideas what's the best way to do it?? Thanks!

816Cd?? what engine do you really have in that 8?

816Cd?? what engine do you really have in that 8?
1.6 diesel, this is the Euro version

Kidding, I'm actually considering putting this at the back :-P

Anyhow, it's the M62B44 (4.4L)

Very well could be ICV. I would also check all of your vacuum lines. Do you have oil in the sparkplug holes?

1.6 diesel :)
I have a Hybrid myself

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp25/TxGr8White/Esmerelda/100_0225.jpg

changed the valve cam gaskets recently as there was oil around the spark plugs, but didn't help... if I try to cleand the ICV, will it help?

You need Terry to chime in, I'm sure he could help.

Ok I'll chime in :)

What happens when you turn the AC on? The ICV should correct for the additional load if it is working.

It doesn't hurt to clean them once in a while anyway.

Hello

I also changed the cam covers as there was oil leaking into the plugs, however my slight hesitation has not gone.

I am suspecting Air flow meter, however firstly will be changing the fuel filter.

The car is off the road and hopefully I will diagnose the problem soon

Didn't have a chance to clean the valve this weekend, but now noticed that the rought idle is mostly when the engine is cold. Once it warms up well after 10-15 mins of driving, it's almost not noticeble (I am very picky).

Prit, any updates on your side?

Hi Danny

No updates yet mate, however once the weather clears up I will get the car out again, it probably doesn't even start at the moment, The wheels are off and being split by myslef ready to go to coventry and be rebuild. I am always working around London ways and If your around just let me know. My car also hesitates and feels like a minor misfire when cold. I am sure Its a the airflow meter as diagnostcis showed no fault codes. I'm going to spray with elecric cleaner and the see how it goes other get another Bosch unit.

I have many parts and service bits to go on my car but need the time and a whole day with a ramp, as I dont trust many mechanics out there with my car.

Have you changed fuel filter?

I'm also suspecting the airflow meter, but it's gonna be a pricy experiment if I change it and it doesn't start working properly.
Two days after I changed the spark plugs, all 4 were black on the driver's side, clean on the other... could that be connected to the idle problem?
I just bought new air and fuel filters, will change them next weekend.. see what happens...

Anyone know a place near London where they can do a complete diagnostic test because the stealership quoted me 160GBP, and I'm not willing to pay this much for a 20 min job..

Danny

If you don't want to go down the dealer route and then you can try calling Gerry at
http://phoenixmotorsport.co.uk/ and let me know if you want to go there as Its in Surrey not to far from London.

I also need to go there to get some bushes and maybe some other bits.

I'm also suspecting the airflow meter, but it's gonna be a pricy experiment if I change it and it doesn't start working properly.
Two days after I changed the spark plugs, all 4 were black on the driver's side, clean on the other... could that be connected to the idle problem?
I just bought new air and fuel filters, will change them next weekend.. see what happens...

Black as in Sooty or oily? i.e., could it be running rich instead of being an oil related issue?

sooty.. definitely running rich, you can tell by the smell at the back...
oxygen sensors...?

i'll check out phoenixmotorsport...

Guys, I did a proper engine diagnostic test and turned out both lambda sensors were shot. I bought Bosch ones from ebay at 50GBP a piece and installed them last night: what a difference!! Engine runs much smoother now, exhaust doesn't smoke in the cold like a wood stove, no gasoline smell and what's best, i've gone up to 18 MPG urban now!! I drove for an hour around the city last night (moderate traffic) and got 15L/100km from ~18-20 before :)