Recent content by Alex of Smeg

my ep3 has been suffering from a steadily worsening problem when gently accelerating at low rpm, particularly noticeable in lower gears and slow speed. It's become very bad when cold, but I think there is still some signs of it when warm too. As accelerating from low rpm, it hits a flat spot...

What's that?! Should there be?

I'm in the process of doing my timing chain. I cannot shift this damn crank pulley bolt. Does anyone have any ideas? I've seen some videos on youtube where people use the starter motor and a breaker bar wedged in place. I have got the special tool and i've tried with about 2.5m of leverage and...

Yea I know. I've ordered the lot. Wish me luck

Also, where do people recommend getting a kit from? Seen one on ebay but it's from Japan and I want it ASAP.

I'm gonna change the timing chain and tensioner on my ep3. Do people recommend doing the guides too? They're so expensive! What should I look for in terms of wear?

Do I have to drop the subframe to change it?

I noticed the front engine mount was knackered last time i was under the car. What do people recommend? I've seen people filling them with tiger seal, inserts. Can I repair this by filling it with sealant or do I need to get a new mount?

So the problem has escalated. I'm waiting for recovery truck because now it just cuts out each time, at that point a few seconds after starting. No idea what it is. Looks like it'll be stuck in my garage for a while.

What does the cold air assist valve look like? and is it attached to the throttle body? I have serviced the car (well, changed the oil, and air filter). Not checked plugs yet. and I have a new fuel filter I haven't got round the fitting yet! Waiting for some free time and warmer weather. Today I...

Still not got round to changing the vtec solenoid gasket. But I'm now pretty certain there is no vtec kicking in. The fact there is no EML light suggests the solenoid is operating right? and if the gasket filter was blocked then wouldn't that be recognised by pressure switch and also light up...

Cheers. I did try Googling but everything I found was trying to make me sign up for something. I assume there's not a significant amount of differences between the pre face lift US ones and the face lift UK ones

Does anyone know where I can get hold of a service manual for ep3 or just the k20a engine? is there a pdf I can download? Alternatively can someone tell me the torque specs for the following? Windage tray Sump Pan Vtec solenoid mounts

How do I go about getting injectors flow tested? I've ordered a new fuel filter, vtec solenoid gasket, oil, filter etc. And will flush a load of redex through the fuel system. Should keep me busy on Saturday. Fingers crossed it gets rid of this gremlin

little update: I think i've noticed a bit of a "feature" of what's happening. When I start the car cold, it will try and idle at 1k rpm initially, then a few seconds later (if it hasn't stalled) it suddenly rises to 2k rpm. If I reach this stage then it runs perfect and won't stall. Eventually...