my daughter has just bourght a little fiesta encore p reg , as her first car . two things i would like to know 1.... tappet settings
2.... the car keeps stalling at junctions i think this could be the idler valve , is there a way of testing to see if this is the case many thanks jb

john baker, November 2009

Hi John, the valve clearances are measured with a cold engine, inlet 0.2mm, exhaust upto 20/11/96 0.3mm
from 21/11/96 0.5mm, there should be a sticker on the rocker cover to indicate the greater gap?? but these engines are known to be very tapitty, as to the idle valve there is'nt any definate test to determine the function, best bet is to remove it and clean it with only a spray carb cleaner or a brake/clutch cleaner never use WD40 as it will make it worse, as they are prone to getting gummed up with petrol deposits and the oil in WD40 will gum up even quicker

nigel, November 2009