Car Problems (jerking, etc)...

[marsh_man]

Hello All,

Im not very mechanical and was wondering if you could help me.
Recently my Nova has been playing up... here's a few of the things thats been happening:

1) The Battery Light flickers... maybe just a loose connection.
2) The car has been jerking loads and the revs dropping down to about 100-200, almost ready to stall ... even in neutral after driving for 30mins

I have been told it maybe the spark plugs/leads or could be the fuel pump.
Can anyone else shed some light on the situation?

Regards,
Shane

[meritlover]

the battery light flickering could be due to the revs dropping too low. or the the low battery voltage may be the cause of the jerking. i would have thought however that it is more like the first reason.

what engine is in this car?

[marsh_man]

Its a brand new battery...
Its only a 1.0 (8V)
The battery light has been flickering for a while, the revs have been ok up until the weekend.
The car just feels like it wants to stall everytime I slow down.

[Welsh Dan]

Check the earths from the chassis to battery, and gearbox to chassis.

[Iain]

And alternator wiring if the battery light has been coming on.

[meritlover]

check there are no air leaks between the manifold and the carb. ensure the choke is properly adjusted and that any vacuum hoses are in good condition. it might just be a blockage in a jet or. the timing may be out points may need gapped etc....

[marsh_man]

So if I check all this and it is still doing the same problem, could this point to the spark plugs, leads and fuel pump?

[meritlover]

only if its an ign misfire problem would it be leads and plugs/cap.

fuel pump is unlikely if the car drives normally other than at low speed. does it run any sweeter with the choke pulled out a small piece?

[marsh_man]

Nope, ive tried it with the choke out a little, to give it steady revs but it still drops.

I could hold the revs at 2000, and it will still drop to 1300-1500!
Could be misfiring I suppose...

[meritlover]

its almost very obvious when its missfiring. when was the last time you checked your timing and gapped your points?

if you are so upset with the pump. remove the fuel hose and stick it in a petrol can. crank or start the car with whats in the bowl and see if it pump. if it does, then you can rool this out. please

[meritlover]

oh mr mr man, this problem seems to be causing you great sadness. perhaps your venturi is iceing up with ice crystals. please check the positioning of the summer winter flap on your air filter and move to winter position to cure ur sadness. also check that the hot air ducting is in place between the exhaust and the airbox. please