Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Morgan Three Wheeler & Super 3 Morgan Stage 1

I recently picked up my Morgan that came from the factory with the stage 1 upgrade. I have about 300 miles on it and the check engine light has come on. Also in deceleration I get a fair amount of popping and sputtering. Lastly the Morgan cranks over a fair amount at times and struggles to start. Is this normal?

The only "normal" thing you mentioned is the decel pop with a stage 1.

Hi 2Sharp,

I have Stage 1 and popping on deceleration is normal like Ken said.

Did your yellow check engine light come on after refueling? Mine did once but turned off after driving for about 15 minutes and has never come back on since. Have your dealer check it if stays on.

With regards to hard starting, an easy thing to check is to remove the spark plugs and make sure they're gapped appropriately (.038-.042 in., sorry don't have metric conversion handy). You could consider installing NGK DCPR7EIX Iridium plugs which could improve starting performance but you shouldn't have to do that. Starting shouldn't be a problem with stock spark plugs. Certainly there are other causes of difficult starting as well.

Good luck.

Hi 2Sharp

Regarding engine starting, it's rare that the engine catches immediately after starter operates, particularly if engine cold. I would regard your comment on such as normal as well therefore.

Make sure fuel pump has finished before pressing start button though, and during cold winter starts, cycle pump two or three times by switching ignition on/off before starting.

ETA: echo Sportster's comments - I also recommend Iridium plugs which fire at lower voltage.
Note also (minor) starting issues were the same before and after fitting Stage 1.

I have the stage 1 upgrade and the check engine light came on at around 150 miles. Not sure if this related but I changed the plugs to NGK Iriduims and the light went out not too long afterward. Popping on decel is normal.

Thanks gents. The check engine light just randomly came on and now just seems to stay on.

I will pick up some plugs. Was thinking of purchasing a remapped ecu from G56 as well.

I have 2016 M3W with the Stage 1 Kit and my check engine light came on at about 50 miles, and has yet to go off (I have about 650 miles on the odometer right now).

When I turn the ignition key, I wait for both the check engine and transmission lights to go off before I press the start button. The check engine generally stays off until I give the M3W a little throttle, then it comes on and stays on.

I haven't tried the NGK Iridiums, but I may give them a try.

I will also reconfirm that popping on deceleration is totally normal with the Stage 1....and I think it sounds awesome!

Good luck and enjoy your new ride!

-Tom

John, how difficult was it to change the spark plugs? I may try the Iridiums to solve my check engine light problem.

This may sound like an ignorant question, but how many spark plugs does our motor require? I assume 2, but just want to be sure.

Thanks!

+1 on Richard's comments but just to add do not depress or pump the accelerator whilst cranking, hot or cold.
Have you tried disconnecting the battery for a while to see if the ecu resets itself and then extinguishes the eml ?

Yes 2x plugs and an 18mm plug spanner. Be careful tightening up the new ones, just take up the slack then a firm tweak.

Popping on the overrun is normal for the stage 1 - and most enjoyable

Re the ECU, the stock one should adapt OK to the stage 1 so a replacement isn't required.

Starting can be slow with or without the Stage 1