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Topic: Some idle annoyances (Read 1257 times) previous topic - next topic

Some idle annoyances

My car is idling really roughly for seemingly no reason.  Runs fine other than idle.  It's more of a minor annoyance than an actual problem at this point, but I'm just fishing for ideas.  All the ignition parts are new less than a year ago (cap, rotor, wires, plugs) Here's my list of possible culprits:

Fuel pump
Fuel filter

I can fix almost anything, diagnosing is where I have the problem.  I checked for vacuum leaks and couldn't really find anything.  Maybe I just got a bad tank of gas?  I dunno, feel free to add to the list. 

It also might be a good idea to put up an FAQ sticky on things to check when your car's running rough or not at all.  I see quite a few generic threads similar to this one.
1987 Thunderbird 3.8. Sold :(

1982 Thunderbird - Goodbye 255, Hello 302!

Re: Some idle annoyances

Reply #1
EGR valve stuck open just a bit?
Death awaits you all with nasty, big, pointy teeth.

1988 5.0 Bird, mostly stock, partly not, now gone to T-Bird heaven.
1990 Volvo 740GL. 114 tire-shredding horsies, baby!

Re: Some idle annoyances

Reply #2
Quote from: MasterBlaster
EGR valve stuck open just a bit?

A lot more likely than the F/P or filter. They generally cause problems at speed....

Re: Some idle annoyances

Reply #3
Quote from: amooset

I can fix almost anything, diagnosing is where I have the problem. 


dont feel bad,, this is a pretty wide open problem.

id just tinker over the next few days with vac lines and other general checks to see which one is not normal. 

therangerstaion.com has an emissions link which shows vac guage illustrations with relation to possible problems.  that might interest you also.

Im not sure how far you've gotten into your cfi work but its probably a good idea to doublecheck and see if the base of the cfi isnt a little warped.  Mine was and i put it on a belt sander to make it flat again.  I had no luck picking up on this vac leak with carb cleaner because it was so minor.

im looking at my 87 emission/engine shop manual now and you really dont wanna know the list of probable causes for "Rough Idle"

scott

Re: Some idle annoyances

Reply #4
I have a thread here in this same section a little further down the page.  Theres a lot of great advice in it that might help you out too.  I've yet to get to the bottom of my idle problem, but I'm still testing different things and haven't had a chance to check all of the possibilities.  Best of luck!
Fly on Thunderbird, Fly! Operation Buy Back My Tbird or one like it funding: $0


Re: Some idle annoyances

Reply #5
Quote from: Metal Matt
I have a thread here in this same section a little further down the page.  Theres a lot of great advice in it that might help you out too.  I've yet to get to the bottom of my idle problem, but I'm still testing different things and haven't had a chance to check all of the possibilities.  Best of luck!


I already read through that, but a lot doesn't really apply to my situation.  I realize that I didn't specify, but I have a 3.8 with CFI.
1987 Thunderbird 3.8. Sold :(

1982 Thunderbird - Goodbye 255, Hello 302!

Re: Some idle annoyances

Reply #6
Ah...ok.
Fly on Thunderbird, Fly! Operation Buy Back My Tbird or one like it funding: $0


Re: Some idle annoyances

Reply #7
I remember reading a Service Bulletin awhile ago that applied to cars with no A/C having idle problems. It had something to do with with  the ACC line to the EEC. This line tells the EEC the A/C clutch is engaged so the EEC can speedup the idle.This line out in the engine bay not hooked to anything was picking spurious pulses and confusing the EEC. The cure was to cut and tape up the ACC line near the EEC plug.
I know a lot of people on the board have removed their A/C, so it may be something to keep in the back of your mind even though it seems far fetched.

Re: Some idle annoyances

Reply #8
ok,, ill ask,,,,,,,,

of the list of things to do that i sent you,,, what have you done to your engine.

vac lines (all)
cfi
fpr
fp
smog
pvc
cfi gold fitting on rear for 84 and up
does the idle control motor retract after warm up?
does the little preheat dohicky on the driver side of the intake ***CLOSE*** after warm up? (blk/or rubber vac line)

ect ect

just curious so im not thinking of stupid things like plug or a cfi gasket or the Idle control motor ect.

 

Re: Some idle annoyances

Reply #9
Upon inspection, I discovered that a vacuum line had come off.  I reconnected that, with little improvement.  Then I noticed that the fuel injector had popped off somehow (eh?) and was leaking out the top.  I thought maybe the retaining bolt on the underside had come off, but the other injector was seated just fine, plenty tight.  Just one side is loose.  I just zip tied it back into place (now it looks about like jcassity's ghetto mounting system  :giggle: ) and she runs like a champ.  Now I just need to fix my horrendous exhaust leak.
1987 Thunderbird 3.8. Sold :(

1982 Thunderbird - Goodbye 255, Hello 302!