help, shudder from idle to 2500 rpm

[eunos]

Here are the videos of the car+problem from a few angles (exhaust, interior and engine). It's difficult to see the problem but you can hear it well in the interior and exhaust video's. Basically when it sounds like the engine isn't revving smoothly and the car is moving under it's own power the drive to the wheels feels like it's coming on and off, producing what I would describe as shuddering.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_iEFoK5c3g

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4-x78ez2FQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_xdBgbw0xw

I do see a little smoke coming out of the exhaust but I'm putting this down to a little bit of condensation it's been quite cold/damp over here.

I replaced the slack in the throttle cable as well, to no avail the problem was still there, I think I just hadn't noticed it on the drive home.

Unfortunately my severe lack of mechanical experience means I don't know if the engine sounds like it's running on 3 cylinders. I'll be changing the plugs and leads tomorrow, it'd be silly not to for the peace of mind they give in ruling them out as possible causes.

Thank you once again for your help, please keep the information coming

[tbro]

My guess, from experience

Plug lead breaking down!!!!

Check and make sure leads are seating properly.

Does the car seem to bog down,run sorta rough untill 2500/3000 then all of a sudden clear itself, more noticable on normal driving????

If so def plug leads.

Terry

[Old Dude]

A simple way to test each plug and lead, is remove each lead from one plug at a time and see if there is any difference.
Each time you remove a lead there should be a difference in the running of the motor, if you remove a lead and nothing changes thats the one that has the problem.
Regards
Old Dude

[Benny]

The easiest way to check if the leads are arcing, is to wait until it's dark, then start the engine and open the bonnet.
Get someone to give the engine a bit of a rev and look at the leads.

If the leads are arcing, you'll see the sparks coming off them in the dark.

It's a common problem and one that is easily fixed.

These things can go very suddenly too, without any warning.

[Juffa]

Leads, and to a lesser extend plugs are a known issue in the earlier models. If the leads had not been touched in a while it is possible that the recent service has disturbed them? I have had some go just after a service, and others out of the blue.

Given that this issue did not occur prior to the service, or the throttle cable adjustment, as others have suggested I would be going back to where you had the service done.


Your choice.
J

[eunos]

Problem Solved, one of the leads had gone bad. New set and everything is running great again thanks for the help