I have a 1994 Rover 214SEi, 87K on clock.
Car is running fine except the idle speed differs. Most of the time, it sits at 800RPM, but will often sit at 1000RPM.
I have not noticed a pattern to this yet, ie it does not necessarily occur after a motorway run.
Any ideas what is causing this and whether it is anything to worry about?
Cheers Paul, Wakefield
Can't really comment about a Rover, and you've not given any indication whether the idle speed will "hunt" for a final RPM, or whether "blipping" the accelarator will return the idle from 1000 to 800 (or even whether the idle speed drops with speed or temperature - my Cav will idle at 1100 if there's any movement, dropping to 850 once stationary, and holds an idle speed of around 1000 for the first couple of minutes on a cold morning), however....
Have you checked out the idle-control valve? (just replaced one of the GF's Ka3, and previously replaced one on my Cav) - these can get gummed up over time and a good clear-out with carb-cleaner or similar can work wonders. Only thing is that you normally look to these when you get erratic idling (they control the amount of air entering the engine when the throttle is fully closed - if gummed up they are sticky/hesitant when required to move, leading to the idle speed "hunting" around the ideal spot)
If the above sounds similar to your experience, then look up the ICV in the old Haynes, and work out how to remove (usually only 2 bolts) and clean the chamber around the valve mechanism with carb-cleaner to remove old oil/tar deposits and refit - usually no more than a ten minute job.
If, however, the above does not sound like your problem - i.e. no hunting or erratic idling, then ignore the above - it wouldn't sound like a problem with the ICV.
Not much help,
Mike.
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