Peugeot 106 throttle 'Flat Spot'.

[ACB312]

My son has a K plate Peugeot 106 1400cc. It starts and generally runs fine except for a 'flat' spot on the throttle just as the pedal is pressed - the engine dies. It is OK with a swift press past the flat spot but makes town driving difficult. I have changed the idling regulator/motor switch (albeit from a scrap car) and the symptoms are the same. Any ideas on what I can check next?

[pjmanktelow]

There could be several things that are causing that some serious some not so serious. It really depends on the number of miles and the maintenance intervals. May 94 Escort's 1.4l engine does the same only it's more measurable by engine speed than throttle depression.

The first thing that I'd check is the carbaration, most discount auto centres will offer that cheaply. Alternatively if it's not carbaration (it may be an injected car i've never owned one,) It could be worn rings. This allows cylinder pressure to seep past the cylinders and in to the crank case. Not good! This may cause the dipstick to be blown from it's closed position or for the sump gasket to leak.

My advice would be to have it checked out, because a little work now may help prevent alot of work (or scrapping) latter.

[ACB312]

Thank you pjman. I'll investigate, although carburation appears to be OK (plugs the right colour etc). Engine has done less than 50K and there's no evidence of worn rings (compression good on all cylinders) and oil unaffected.