Hi
I have a problem with my '97 Carisma 1.8glx (not GDi)
I has a very hard time accelerating from standstill and at low revs. It feels like the engine is choking/stops firing. But as soon as it passes 2000rpm the problem diminishes. The weird thing is, that the problem only occurs when the engine is hot. The first few kilometres theres no trouble, but then it starts.

My theory is that it could be caused by a loose aternator belt. Thats also explains the lack of problems when the enginge is cold, since it will expand when heated. I tried pushing it down and it will move some 11 or 12 millimetres before coming to a stop. That seems a bit much to me, but I don't know this model so well. Anyone know where to find torque values and specifications for it on the net? Alas Haynes has not yet made a repair manual.

Any other bids on what my problem is? (except for my poor english off course:-)

Regards
Vonmag

It can be an issue with low fuel pressure. Or a very clogged fuel filter. When the fuel pump has rested it will pump a good enough pressure til it gets hot frum having to force petrol thru a severly clogged filter. This could be a reason that it has issue on low end accelerating , is that when the fuel spray and pressure is in high demand as in a take off , to get in motion the poressure is not there but once the large take off load is off it seemingly build adequate pressure to go.

Also remove yur spark plugs and examine them. If they have a rusted hot reddish white look , that means its starving for petrol , and that contaminates are in the fuel system , possibly rust. If excessively white its starving for fuel. If they are very dark , it means the engine is running excessively rich , and too much fuel is getting into the system. A bad fuel pressure regulator can cause this also. If the inner diapram is busted , fuel will be sucked in thru the vacuum port of the regulator. Yu can remove the vacuum hose on teh regulator and see if fuel comes out , also cycle the ignition to on and see if fuel comes out of it.