idling problems

[AJ_vares]

I just recently changed my power steering pump and since then I cannot get the car to idle right. Here's what happened: My friend ended up breaking the belt tensioner on my car (1991 Mustang gt) and we pulled one off a mercury (looks exactly the same, different part #) So we put the tensioner on only to find out we needed a longer belt. We bought a new belt and the tension is in range, but my car won't idle correctly.

Do I have to change the timing? Change the idle? Also, after installing the steering pulley I noticed it didn't turn freely. Is it supposed to have some resistance?

Any help is appreciated

 

[sgarlic]

With the belt on the steering pulley won't turn.. without the belt mine turns pretty easily (from what I recall when I had it off last.)

I'm not certain how this pertains to your idle issue.. but have you tried cleaning the IAC and the TB? You may also need to reset the base idle while you're at it.. I guess the main question on my mind is what caused it in the first place.

 

[rflow50]

if it doesnt idle right check the throttle position sensor. i don't think that by changing the belt tensioner would make your car idle bad.

Also take out the air by pass valve and clean it with some carburator cleaner, may be that would help to idle better.

 

[jrichker]

See the "Help me create the Surging Idle Checklist" " Sticky at the top of the forum for help with idle problems.

 

[AJ_vares]

Thanks for responding... Well my car idled fine before replacing the p/s pump. Before I put the belt back on I noticed the p/s pulley turned with some resistance. Unlike the a/c and alternator pulleys which spin easily. What I wanted to know is if I installed the p/s pulley incorrectly, would it affect my idling? Or is it normal that have idling problems after changing belts?

Thanks everyone

 

[HISSIN50]

The PS pump pulley should spin pretty easily (you can feel yourself pumping some fluid, but it is not disiimilar to the alternator in terms of resistance IMHO). I can hear mine make little clicking noises as the vanes turn.

It is not at all normal to have idle issues after doing a serp belt. I would really go over every single place you were touching while doing this. I get on a thrash and disconnect or disturb things (that I did not realize I disturbed) and forget to recheck or reconnect things.

a 5.0 motor does not change the IAC duty cycle to accomodate engine load from the PS (like smaller motors do), so I doubt that is an issue.

Good luck.