What's wrong with my CX - help please !!

[minijohn]

I have a strange problem......
The CX ran fine (25 GTi auto) but I wanted to check the valve clearances. I removed the inlet manifold & whatever else was necessary to gain access, did the adjustments (not much) &
now I've put it back together it won't run properly.

It starts and revs up to about 2000rpm for a few seconds and then the revs slowly reduce - and then it stops.
It will start again immediately with exactly the same result.
If I press & hold the accelerator, it will run albeit a bit rough but not at low revs.

I've checked everything I disconnected & it's all back in place. There are no splits in the air inlet bellows (not sure what you call that bit) and if I remove that completely the car won't start at all.

From other stuff I've read I'm thinking it may be the air flow meter but I haven't touched it or even disturbed any connections in that area.

Any ideas anyone?

Thanks in advance
John

[CGATCX25GTITURBO]

have you pulled the idle hose off the back of the air auxilary valve at the back of the engine, is the alternator charging the battery, is the temp sensor plug fitted ok on the back of the cylinder head

[minijohn]

Hi
Thanks for the quick reply.
I checked those things & they were all OK.
One thing I did notice though is where the 4 rubber hoses join the plenum to the inlet manifold, I could see some of the serrations on the black plastic part which I'm sure I couldn't see before I took it all apart.
I checked the hose clips & they were all tight............that gave me an idea.

I then started the engine & kept it running by pressing the accelerator to get some heat in the engine.
Once it could tickover unaided I went back under the bonnet and sprayed carb cleaner on the joins of the 4 rubber hoses.
On numbers 2 & 4, the spray sent the revs straight up, indicating an air leak.

I've reassembled the joints and the car now runs much better but the revs will still rise when sprayed.
I think the rubber has had it - so I'll replace shortly - think I'll go for silicone

Thanks for all your help
John