Air bubble in Actuator

[sharn]

Hi Guys,

So had no real problems with the car since buying couple of months ago, apart from not always getting power when I immediately step down on the accelerator in first. Thought it was something I was just needing to get used to.

Anyway, thought I'd have it looked at, just to make sure no relay or F1 problems, that would cause me ballache in future. Apparently that is all fine, but there seems to be some air in the actuator?

Been quoted a whopping £800 to have it all bled. Apparently quite a big job - understand it comes with the territory of having one of these, but is this not a bit excessive. Anyone recommend anyone around the surrey, who may do at a more competitive rate - that seems like mains dealer prices to me (Shudder to think how much Marinello would want!)

 

[CatmanV2]

Not getting power in what way? Engine revs not rising, or clutch not engaging?

What car, BTW?

C

 

[sharn]

Sorry - 4200CC

It's a very slight delay, before it engages in gear. Normally more noticeable in first obviously. I don't dispute their findings - just that it's taking a large chunk of my reserve amount in case anything else goes wrong with it.

 

[CatmanV2]

Hmmm

I was under the impression the system was self bleeding. Hopefully someone can confirm / deny.

If there was air in the actuator making things noticeably slower, it'd impact all shifts as well, I'd have thought.

C

 

[Emtee]

Not sure about the need to bleed at all, but your description makes me think the car is holding in anti-stall before engaging the clutch, which would happen from a stationary start, when the car is hovering just above the stall trigger and also if you drop to first at very low revs. It can also be affected by the clutch PIS setting if set quite open.

 

[Gixerboy]

The F1 self bleeds , Shiltech will confirm this, suggest getting the PIS checked as suggested by Miles.

Cheers

Dave

 

[sharn]

The F1 self bleeds , Shiltech will confirm this, suggest getting the PIS checked as suggested by Miles.

Cheers

Dave

Thanks guys. This is being recommended by Autoffinica in chessington though, and thought they came quite highly recommended? They say they've checked everything else, and say it's fine?!?

 

[outrun]

Changing the PIS is quite easy so probably worth trying at least before forking out the big money.

 

[sharn]

Changing the PIS is quite easy so probably worth trying at least before forking out the big money.

Thanks - is it something I should attempt myself, or ask the mechanics? Had assumed that they would tried that already?

 

[CatmanV2]

Thanks - is it something I should attempt myself, or ask the mechanics? Had assumed that they would tried that already?

You need a suitable diagnostic system

C

 

[voicey]

The system is self bleeding to an extent. If you installed the actuator and hydraulic lines dry then simply topping up the reservoir wouldn't suffice and you'd need to bleed it via the TCU (not that this info helps in this case).

OP: When are you feeling the hesitation - pulling away from standstill or when changing gear whilst on the move?

If you have air in the system I would expect it to manifest itself as dropping into neutral after changing gear several times. It is common for air to enter the actuator through the bleed screws - when this air gets into one of the actuator rams it causes a mis-shift (since air compresses). the system then puts it into neutral for safety.