Idling Problem?

SuperStang83

Founding Member
Mar 21, 2001
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Boyertown, Pa
I left my car sit for a couple days over the weekend, and when I went to start it, it started but is almost stalling. At first it idles like it has a huge cam and barely stays running, and sometimes it does stall. After it warms up a bit it idles better, but is still pretty choppy, and it sounds like I am cammed even though my motor is stock. It also smells very rich when it is idling.

I also noticed that when I am sitting idling and have the heat on it blows out cool air, but when I start driving it then the heat gets warm again. Also the car still runs great, but is hesitating a little at low RPMs. Can anyone help me diagnose the problem?

Thank you very much.


Jacob
 
I left my car sit for a couple days over the weekend, and when I went to start it, it started but is almost stalling. At first it idles like it has a huge cam and barely stays running, and sometimes it does stall. After it warms up a bit it idles better, but is still pretty choppy, and it sounds like I am cammed even though my motor is stock. It also smells very rich when it is idling.

I also noticed that when I am sitting idling and have the heat on it blows out cool air, but when I start driving it then the heat gets warm again. Also the car still runs great, but is hesitating a little at low RPMs. Can anyone help me diagnose the problem?

Thank you very much.


Jacob

I had that happen with the exception of the heater problem you described...and I had a big vacuum leak hose came loose, unmetered air pouring in
 
Jacob, IIRC you are SD. If so, ASF is probably on the right path. Look for nearly 20" hg at idle (of vacuum). If you have much less than that, part of the EEC will think you're accelerating and the trim goes way rich.

With the heater, if it would blow hot while driving but is cold while sitting, have you noticed a difference in the temp of the heater inlet and outlet lines (in the engine bay)? I'm wondering if there's a slight blockage and extra flow is needed (though the restrictor in the inlet line should limit pressures anyhow. Sometimes that restrictor is discarded accidentally).

Happy Turkey day to you and the family, Jacob!
 
I cleaned the MAF and raised the idle just a bit, and it is running great now. I am going to lower the idle back down and hopefully it'll stay running just as good.

Actually JT you are right that the car is an 88, but Jon put in an 89 motor with Mass Air.

If when I lower the idle back down the problem returns I will pull codes, but it is running great right now.
Thank you everyone. Nice talking to you again JT, and Happy Turkey Day bro!


Jacob