KV6 ZT running rough, smoky exhaust, what could it be?

johnmatrix · 20th September 2009, 09:30

Hi all,

I am posting on behalf of my parents, they just got back from a 2 hour drive and my dad complained his 2004 2.5 KV6 ZT started running terribly rough when they got about 5 minutes from home, difficulty starting, the exhaust sounds erratic like it's misfiring or something. It is also idling fast, up around 1000-1100 RPM. Temperature gauge appears fine, I checked under the oil cap and no mayo. What else could it be?

Much appreciated if you could help!

Thanks

courier118 · 20th September 2009, 09:40

Hi mate...........Could be a number of things.........id do a few easy checks firstly........sounds like its struggling for air.......air filter not blocked or the intake into the airbox?............The catalytic converter? Crushed or collapsed inside........something restricting the exhaust?...........Check for any air leaks in the engine bay on all the pipes,check around the throttle body..........use some WD40 and spray around the air pipes where they join,if its leaking you will see it straight away bubble and the idle speed will change.

Easy things to check before delving to deep

johnmatrix · 20th September 2009, 10:32

Thanks courier118, I did what I could to check the visible pipes, the air filter is clean and clear. Everything looks fine... guess it's a job for the mechanic. Hopefully not an expensive one, my parents are planning a holiday soon =(

Still taking suggestions if anybody has one =)

Forgot to mention there is no engine failure light appearing either. It's a mind boggler...

20th September 2009, 09:30	#1
johnmatrix Newbie MG ZT Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 11 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	KV6 ZT running rough, smoky exhaust, what could it be? Hi all, I am posting on behalf of my parents, they just got back from a 2 hour drive and my dad complained his 2004 2.5 KV6 ZT started running terribly rough when they got about 5 minutes from home, difficulty starting, the exhaust sounds erratic like it's misfiring or something. It is also idling fast, up around 1000-1100 RPM. Temperature gauge appears fine, I checked under the oil cap and no mayo. What else could it be? Much appreciated if you could help! Thanks Last edited by johnmatrix; 20th September 2009 at 09:37..

20th September 2009, 09:40	#2
courier118 Loves to post MG ZT 190+ Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Newcastle under Lyme Posts: 305 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Hi mate...........Could be a number of things.........id do a few easy checks firstly........sounds like its struggling for air.......air filter not blocked or the intake into the airbox?............The catalytic converter? Crushed or collapsed inside........something restricting the exhaust?...........Check for any air leaks in the engine bay on all the pipes,check around the throttle body..........use some WD40 and spray around the air pipes where they join,if its leaking you will see it straight away bubble and the idle speed will change. Easy things to check before delving to deep

20th September 2009, 10:32	#3
johnmatrix Newbie MG ZT Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 11 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thanks courier118, I did what I could to check the visible pipes, the air filter is clean and clear. Everything looks fine... guess it's a job for the mechanic. Hopefully not an expensive one, my parents are planning a holiday soon =( Still taking suggestions if anybody has one =) Forgot to mention there is no engine failure light appearing either. It's a mind boggler...