Engine 1991 - What does a normal idle suppose to sound like on OEM 5.0 ?

[MrPerfect2]

I am Not sure if my timing is set too high . New plugs , wires , rotor , cap , coil - seems to idle fine just has a slight miss every 10 seconds or so - runs great on WOT - I have been driving mostly newer cars for along time and used to a smooth steady idle - does the stock cam on these cars produce more of a non smooth idle ? I am not a total gear head , but I still do a lot of basic repairs myself ( plugs , brakes , sensor changes, gauges )

 

[General karthief]

The stock 5.0 is pretty smooth.
what is your timing set at?

 

[MrPerfect2]

I have no idea what it is set at - aside from using a light ( which I don’t have ) any other symptoms of too advanced timing ? It does idle smooth , just has a very slight miss feel every so often 10 seconds at idle .

 

[Blown88GT]

Smooth, steady idle is probably not timing related. What year, i.e. MAF or SD?
Vacuum leak will cause an unsteady idle on any vehicle, old or new.
A miss at idle could be many things.

 

[MrPerfect2]

I know my question is kinda vague - btw it is MAF - what sensors are important and help on these cars with air / fuel mix ?

 

[General karthief]

Basically all of them.
if you feel the need to check things out on your car go here:

Help me create the "Surging Idle Checklist"

Updated 26-Oct-2019 to clarify creeping idle RPM increase as the car is being driven. Many of you are familiar with the "Cranks OK, but No Start Checklist for Fuel Injected Mustangs" checklist and the No Crank Checklist. They are very effective in finding and eliminating the problems by use of...

forums.stangnet.com

It shows you how to check for codes and what the sensors are for and the operating range.

 

[MrPerfect2]

That is perfect info I was looking for - thanks ! I will do some vacuum hose inspection / change and various sensor inspections / change

 

[Mstng93SSP]

Make sure your firing order is correct, it's easy to cross up plug wire #5 and #6 if you have replaced plugs or wires recently. Then, set your timing with a timing light. If you don't have one I'm sure you could borrow one somewhere. A timing light is the only correct way to set the timing.