Engine Surges

ENGINE SURGES

Description
With a constant throttle position (at idle or at cruise), the power output of the engine decreases and increases alternately with no apparent reason.

Explanation
Surging usually results from either an Air/Fuel Mixture problem or an Idle Speed control problem.

Above Idle Speed Surging
Surging above idle speed is often the result of a condition which causes an incorrect air/fuel mixture at a certain power level. As the engine power output begins to drop (due to the incorrect air/fuel mixture), the mixture corrects itself and the process repeats.

Causes

Low Fuel Pressure
The fuel pressure is to low to sustain engine operation at a certain power level. The engine output then drops to level at which the fuel demand equals the fuel supply and the process repeats itself

Testing
- Perform Fuel Pressure test.
- If fuel pressure is OK at idle, check fuel pressure under engine load.

Sluggish Oxygen Sensor (If Applicable)
An oxygen sensor which reacts slowly may result in a slight surging as the fuel command switches back and forth between rich and lean.

Testing
- With the engine warmed up and operating in closed loop, verify the oxygen sensor is switching properly. Switching time should be less than one second. Oxygen Sensor

Defective or Out of Calibration Sensors (If Applicable)
Sensors in the Engine Control system may have glitches or calibration errors at specific engine speeds or power levels. When these speeds or power levels are reached the engine control system is unable to calculate the correct air/fuel mixture or timing advance and a corresponding reduction in engine power occurs. This is followed by an increase in power as the defective sensor reaches a point where it's output is within specifications.

Testing
- See Computers and Control Systems. Computers and Control Systems

Idle Speed Surging
Surging at idle can be caused by all of the above conditions in addition to problems caused by the idle speed control system.

If a condition occurs which causes idle speed control to operate at the limits of its control range, the idle speed may begin to surge between the upper and lower limits.

Causes

Incorrectly Adjusted Minimum Idle Speed
If the minimum idle speed is adjusted too low, the idle speed control system will be operating at it's upper limit and any variation in idle speed may cause it to begin surging between the upper and lower limits.

Testing
- Check Minimum Idle Speed and adjust as necessary.

Sticking Idle Speed Control Actuator (If Applicable)
The idle speed control becomes stuck at either the high or low end of its range. When a sufficient amount of force is applied to free the actuator, it surges to the opposite end of its range and then repeats.

Testing
- Verify all linkage is clean and moves freely
- Verify all electrical connections are tight.
- See Fuel Delivery and Air Induction for further testing. Fuel Delivery and Air Induction