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Progress Thread Nasty Ninety Notch

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joetrainer31

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#441
  • Jun 13, 2016
  • #441
Update: Shocker!

Get ready for this: Honda now makes a 5.0 engine! I wonder what model its going in??? Check out a pic below of the 5.0
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joetrainer31

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#442
  • Jun 13, 2016
  • #442
Update: Chill Out Please!

I recently observed, that with brutal temps (i.e., 105*), that my radiator could not keep up if I had to idle in traffic with the A/C on. So, I ordered a replacement unit from LMR.com. I got their SVE 3 row unit. Several guys gave me great alternatives, but I had already ordered the unit. While it's a no brainer to R&R the radiator I will still post some pics and notes in case someone needs the help.

Old radiator set-up (stock replacement single core & old overflow)

Stock stuff loosened (e.g., radiator hold downs, fan shroud bolts, overflow tube, upper/lower hoses). You can just push stuff out of the way and pull the old unit out.

Side by Side:

New radiator and overflow installed. I just transferred the mounting tabs from the stock radiator to the replacement radiator, then tightened all hoses and bolts, and hooked the overflow tube up.


As I was informed on this site by a couple of members the SVE radiator does not fit 100%. It was a bit loose at the hold down (passenger side). It had about 1/4" - 3/8" play. This was unacceptable to me so for now I simply cut some hose, folded it in half, stuffed it between the hold down and radiator, then tightened it all up. It actually works really well and its not too noticable. The shroud fit fine after I played with it a bit. Interestingly, this radiator fit my '95 like a glove.


In order to make sure there were no air pockets in the system I parked the car so that the nose was on a slight incline. Then, I started the car with rad cap off, selected "vent" on the hvac controls along with high heat, and full fan speed. Those selections will open up the heater core so that no air pockets hide in it. Previously, I had drilled a small hole in the thermostat at the 12 o'clock position to help bleed the system in the future.

Next, I simply let the car idle until about half way on the temp gauge. At this point the thermostat was taking too long to open so I revved the car a bit. The stat opened and I filled the radiator with 50/50. I did this process twice more to make sure the system was full, filled the overflow to the "Hot" level, closed everything up and called it a day. I'll road test tomorrow. If it overheats for some strange reason I'll. BE. BACK!
 
Last edited: Jun 14, 2016
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joetrainer31

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Jun 16, 2016
#443
  • Jun 16, 2016
  • #443
Question: Compression Ratio.

1) 308 cid block
2) stock design pistons
3) X307 heads w/58cc
4) stock camshaft w/1.72 rocker arms.

What's my compression ratio? Go!
 

TOOLOW91

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#444
  • Jun 16, 2016
  • #444
joetrainer31 said:
Question: Compression Ratio.

1) 308 cid block
2) stock design pistons
3) X307 heads w/58cc
4) stock camshaft w/1.72 rocker arms.

What's my compression ratio? Go!
Click to expand...
Head gasket compressed thickness affects this too .


Sent from my iPhone using my fingers while my auto correct makes me seem illiterate
 
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joetrainer31

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Jun 16, 2016
#445
  • Jun 16, 2016
  • #445
TOOLOW91 said:
Head gasket compressed thickness affects this too .


Sent from my iPhone using my fingers while my auto correct makes me seem illiterate
Click to expand...
Yes. The typical compressed gasket is about .040. I'm going with that.
 

Boosted92LX

It's only an inch or two. What's the big deal?
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#446
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I believe @hoopty5.0 has a good formula for compression ratio. Maybe he'll chime in.
 
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joetrainer31

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#447
  • Jun 17, 2016
  • #447
Boosted92LX said:
I believe @hoopty5.0 has a good formula for compression ratio. Maybe he'll chime in.
Click to expand...
Hoopty5.0 has been pretty helpful throughout this whole thread. One other factor is that we had to use 90 thousandths of Ford shims on the rocker arms in order to obtain compression. Without the shims the valves wouldn't close all the way. Everything works fine, but I'm scratching my head on that one. The pushrods are stock length, hardened from LMR.com.

This was the case with either the stock heads we tried or the X307 heads which are on it now. I figured maybe the block had been zero decked so I called the builder. The builder said that he only decked the block 5 or 8 thousandths and put the reason on the X307 heads. I didn't tell him about the stock heads doing the same thing so I think he may be mistaken.

Anyhow, that's another variable.
 

Boosted92LX

It's only an inch or two. What's the big deal?
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#448
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  • #448
joetrainer31 said:
Hoopty5.0 has been pretty helpful throughout this whole thread. One other factor is that we had to use 90 thousandths of Ford shims on the rocker arms in order to obtain compression. Without the shims the valves wouldn't close all the way. Everything works fine, but I'm scratching my head on that one. The pushrods are stock length, hardened from LMR.com.

This was the case with either the stock heads we tried or the X307 heads which are on it now. I figured maybe the block had been zero decked so I called the builder. The builder said that he only decked the block 5 or 8 thousandths and put the reason on the X307 heads. I didn't tell him about the stock heads doing the same thing so I think he may be mistaken.

Anyhow, that's another variable.
Click to expand...

Sounds like that block got decked before you got your hands on it. That's going to raise compression quite a bit.
 

joetrainer31

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#449
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  • #449
Boosted92LX said:
Sounds like that block got decked before you got your hands on it. That's going to raise compression quite a bit.
Click to expand...
This is what I'm thinking, but I can't get the builder to help, so here I am.
 

joetrainer31

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#450
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  • #450
Diagnostic Question:

Since my AC compressor took a dump while its 100+ degrees here I decided to go get it replaced at the shop. On the way to the shop (1 mile away from me), the car started a massive idle surge, choking, CEL on & off, then the idle got stuck at 2500 RPMs. At this point I realized that my car hated me.

Anyhow, when I got to the shop I scanned for codes. Besides the two codes which tell you the ECM cannot control idle speed, which was obvious, I got a code 44, which if not mistaken points to a possible bad TAD solenoid. Once the car was in the shop it was observed that if the IAC pig tail was pulled the car idled normally. If it was plugged back in then the foolishness started again.

Next, we tried simply pulled the negative battery cable for 20 minutes to clear codes. This was incase it was a fluke. We let the car idle again and in about 5-10 minutes it was acting up in the same way.

Set-up: I have rubber vac hose instead of the hard tubing for my vac connections. I've read that the hose is unacceptable for vac applications due to expansion and contraction slowing the vac signals to various solenoids, etc. Next, my smog pump is by-passed and my cross over tube is only there for looks. My heads do not accept it so it seems that those two components should be out of the equation.

So, my question(s) is: Does anyone have experience with code 44 (no code 94), and what about those vac hoses?

@jrichker ?
@hoopty5.0 ?
@Boosted92LX ?
 

hoopty5.0

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#451
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  • #451
Sorry I've been unresponsive lately. I'm on vacation with very little service, but it sounds like your IAC may be bad. I'd start there before messing with vacuum lines
 

joetrainer31

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#452
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hoopty5.0 said:
Sorry I've been unresponsive lately. I'm on vacation with very little service, but it sounds like your IAC may be bad. I'd start there before messing with vacuum lines
Click to expand...
That's understandable. Thanks for the input. Have a relaxing time!
 

jrichker

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44/94 codes deal with the Thermactor air System, which to the best of my knowledge does not effect idle. You may have a leak in one of the vacuum lines that operates the control valves.

For reference, here is the code 44/94 test path;

Codes 44 & 94 - AIR system inoperative - Air Injection. Check vacuum lines for leaks, & cracks. Check for a clogged air crossover tube, where one or both sides of the tube clog with carbon.



Revised 21 Sep 2012 to correct the description of the process that sets the code and include Thermactor Air System diagram.

If you have a catalytic converter H pipe, you need to fix these codes. If you don't, then don't worry about them.

Code 44 passenger side air not functioning.
Code 94 driver side air not functioning.

The TAD solenoid/TAD diverter valve directs smog pump output to either the crossover tube attached to the cylinder heads or to the catalytic converters.

The O2 sensors are placed before the catalytic converters, so they do not see the extra O2 when the smog pump's output is directed to the converters or the input just before the converter.

The 44/94 code uses the O2 sensors to detect a shift in the O2 level in the exhaust. The smog pump provides extra air to the exhaust which raises the O2 level in the exhaust when the smog pump output is directed through the crossover tube.

When there is an absence of increase in the O2 levels when the TAD solenoid/TAD diverter valve directs air through the crossover tube, it detects the lower O2 level and sets the code.

Failure mode is usually due to a clogged air crossover tube, where one or both sides of the tube clog with carbon. The air crossover tube mounts on the back of the cylinder heads and supplies air to each of the Thermactor air passages cast into the cylinder heads. When the heads do not get the proper air delivery, they set codes 44 & 94, depending on which passage is clogged. It is possible to get both 44 & 94, which would suggest that the air pump or control valves are not working correctly, or the crossover tube is full of carbon or missing.

Testing the system:
Note that the engine must be running to do the tests unless stated otherwise. For safety’s sake, do test preparation like loosening clamps, disconnecting hoses and connecting things to a vacuum source with the engine off.


Disconnect the big hose from smog pump: with the engine running you should feel air output. Reconnect the smog pump hose & apply vacuum to the first vacuum controlled valve: Its purpose is to either dump the pump's output to the atmosphere or pass it to the next valve.

The next vacuum controlled valve directs the air to either the cylinder heads when the engine is cold or to the catalytic converter when the engine is warm. Disconnect the big hoses from the back side of the vacuum controlled valve and start the engine. Apply vacuum to the valve and see if the airflow changes from one hose to the next.

The two electrical controlled vacuum valves mounted on the rear of the passenger side wheel well turn the vacuum on & off under computer control. Check to see that both valves have +12 volts on the red wire. Then ground the white/red wire and the first solenoid should open and pass vacuum. Do the same thing to the light green/black wire on the second solenoid and it should open and pass vacuum.

Remember that the computer does not source power for any actuator or relay, but provides the ground necessary to complete the circuit. That means one side of the circuit will always be hot, and the other side will go to ground or below 1 volt as the computer switches on that circuit.

The following computer tests are done with the engine not running.
The computer provides the ground to complete the circuit to power the solenoid valve that turns the
vacuum on or off. The computer is located under the passenger side kick panel. Remove the kick panel & the cover over the computer wiring connector pins. Check Pin 38 Solenoid valve #1 that provides vacuum to the first Thermactor control valve for a switch from 12-14 volts to 1 volt or less. Do the same with pin 32 solenoid valve #2 that provides vacuum to the second Thermactor control valve. Turning the ignition to Run with the computer jumpered to self-test mode will cause all the actuators to toggle on and off. If after doing this and you see no switching of the voltage on and off, you can start testing the wiring for shorts to ground and broken wiring. An Ohm check to ground with the computer connector disconnected & the solenoid valves disconnected should show open circuit between the pin 32 and ground and again on pin 38 and ground. In like manner, there should be less than 1 ohm between pin 32 and solenoid valve #2 and pin 38 & Solenoid valve #1.

The following computer tests are done with the engine running.
If after checking the resistance of the wiring & you are sure that there are no wiring faults, start looking at the solenoid valves. If you disconnect them, you can jumper power & ground to them to verify operation with the engine running. Power & ground supplied should turn on the vacuum flow, remove either one and the vacuum should stop flowing.

Typical resistance of the solenoid valves is in the range of 20-70 Ohms.

See the following website for some help from Tmoss (diagram designer) & Stang&2Birds (website host)

http://www.veryuseful.com/mustang/tech/engine/images/fuel-alt-links-ign-ac.gif

http://www.veryuseful.com/mustang/tech/engine/images/88-91eecPinout.gif

If you have a catalytic converter H pipe, you need to fix these codes. If you don't, then don't worry about them


Standard procedure to find and fix idles problems...
You guys with idle/stall problems could save a lot of time chasing your tails if you would go through the Surging Idle Checklist. Over 50 different people contributed information to it. The first two posts have all the fixes, and steps through the how to find and fix your idle problems without spending a lot of time and money. It includes how to dump the computer codes quickly and simply as one of the first steps. I continue to update it as more people post fixes or ask questions. You can post questions to that sticky and have your name and idle problem recognized. The guys with original problems and fixes get their posts added to the main fix.

It's free, I don't get anything for the use of it except knowing I helped a fellow Mustang enthusiast with his car. At last check, it had more than 200,000 hits, which indicates it does help fix idle problems quickly and inexpensively.
 
Last edited: Jun 19, 2016
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joetrainer31

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#454
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jrichker said:
44/94 codes deal with the Thermactor air System, which to the best of my knowledge does not effect idle. You may have a leak in one of the vacuum lines that operates the control valves.

For reference, here is the code 44/94 test path;

Codes 44 & 94 - AIR system inoperative - Air Injection. Check vacuum lines for leaks, & cracks. Check for a clogged air crossover tube, where one or both sides of the tube clog with carbon.



Revised 21 Sep 2012 to correct the description of the process that sets the code and include Thermactor Air System diagram.

If you have a catalytic converter H pipe, you need to fix these codes. If you don't, then don't worry about them.

Code 44 passenger side air not functioning.
Code 94 driver side air not functioning.

The TAD solenoid/TAD diverter valve directs smog pump output to either the crossover tube attached to the cylinder heads or to the catalytic converters.

The O2 sensors are placed before the catalytic converters, so they do not see the extra O2 when the smog pump's output is directed to the converters or the input just before the converter.

The 44/94 code uses the O2 sensors to detect a shift in the O2 level in the exhaust. The smog pump provides extra air to the exhaust which raises the O2 level in the exhaust when the smog pump output is directed through the crossover tube.

When there is an absence of increase in the O2 levels when the TAD solenoid/TAD diverter valve directs air through the crossover tube, it detects the lower O2 level and sets the code.

Failure mode is usually due to a clogged air crossover tube, where one or both sides of the tube clog with carbon. The air crossover tube mounts on the back of the cylinder heads and supplies air to each of the Thermactor air passages cast into the cylinder heads. When the heads do not get the proper air delivery, they set codes 44 & 94, depending on which passage is clogged. It is possible to get both 44 & 94, which would suggest that the air pump or control valves are not working correctly, or the crossover tube is full of carbon or missing.

Testing the system:
Note that the engine must be running to do the tests unless stated otherwise. For safety’s sake, do test preparation like loosening clamps, disconnecting hoses and connecting things to a vacuum source with the engine off.


Disconnect the big hose from smog pump: with the engine running you should feel air output. Reconnect the smog pump hose & apply vacuum to the first vacuum controlled valve: Its purpose is to either dump the pump's output to the atmosphere or pass it to the next valve.

The next vacuum controlled valve directs the air to either the cylinder heads when the engine is cold or to the catalytic converter when the engine is warm. Disconnect the big hoses from the back side of the vacuum controlled valve and start the engine. Apply vacuum to the valve and see if the airflow changes from one hose to the next.

The two electrical controlled vacuum valves mounted on the rear of the passenger side wheel well turn the vacuum on & off under computer control. Check to see that both valves have +12 volts on the red wire. Then ground the white/red wire and the first solenoid should open and pass vacuum. Do the same thing to the light green/black wire on the second solenoid and it should open and pass vacuum.

Remember that the computer does not source power for any actuator or relay, but provides the ground necessary to complete the circuit. That means one side of the circuit will always be hot, and the other side will go to ground or below 1 volt as the computer switches on that circuit.

The following computer tests are done with the engine not running.
The computer provides the ground to complete the circuit to power the solenoid valve that turns the
vacuum on or off. The computer is located under the passenger side kick panel. Remove the kick panel & the cover over the computer wiring connector pins. Check Pin 38 Solenoid valve #1 that provides vacuum to the first Thermactor control valve for a switch from 12-14 volts to 1 volt or less. Do the same with pin 32 solenoid valve #2 that provides vacuum to the second Thermactor control valve. Turning the ignition to Run with the computer jumpered to self-test mode will cause all the actuators to toggle on and off. If after doing this and you see no switching of the voltage on and off, you can start testing the wiring for shorts to ground and broken wiring. An Ohm check to ground with the computer connector disconnected & the solenoid valves disconnected should show open circuit between the pin 32 and ground and again on pin 38 and ground. In like manner, there should be less than 1 ohm between pin 32 and solenoid valve #2 and pin 38 & Solenoid valve #1.

The following computer tests are done with the engine running.
If after checking the resistance of the wiring & you are sure that there are no wiring faults, start looking at the solenoid valves. If you disconnect them, you can jumper power & ground to them to verify operation with the engine running. Power & ground supplied should turn on the vacuum flow, remove either one and the vacuum should stop flowing.

Typical resistance of the solenoid valves is in the range of 20-70 Ohms.

See the following website for some help from Tmoss (diagram designer) & Stang&2Birds (website host)

http://www.veryuseful.com/mustang/tech/engine/images/fuel-alt-links-ign-ac.gif

http://www.veryuseful.com/mustang/tech/engine/images/88-91eecPinout.gif

If you have a catalytic converter H pipe, you need to fix these codes. If you don't, then don't worry about them


Standard procedure to find and fix idles problems...
You guys with idle/stall problems could save a lot of time chasing your tails if you would go through the Surging Idle Checklist. Over 50 different people contributed information to it. The first two posts have all the fixes, and steps through the how to find and fix your idle problems without spending a lot of time and money. It includes how to dump the computer codes quickly and simply as one of the first steps. I continue to update it as more people post fixes or ask questions. You can post questions to that sticky and have your name and idle problem recognized. The guys with original problems and fixes get their posts added to the main fix.

It's free, I don't get anything for the use of it except knowing I helped a fellow Mustang enthusiast with his car. At last check, it had more than 200,000 hits, which indicates it does help fix idle problems quickly and inexpensively.
Click to expand...
Thank you for the info. I'll have to work through it and digest it. It seems odd that:
Observation 1) It takes a few minutes for the high idle to manifest once the computer has been reset.

Observation 2) That unplugging the IAC brings the high idle down.

To be clear, I'm not arguing any points w/you. I'm just trying to think through the issue(s) and communicate it. I'm thinking about a vac leak too. However, if there is a vac leak:

Question 1) Wouldn't it always have an idle problem from "go?" Why would it take several minutes to manifest after an ECM reset?

Question 2) How would unplugging the IAC help with a vac leak (i.e., bring the idle back down)? I'm thinking there could be more than one issue, or there is one root cause which affects more than one component.

Again, my smog pump is by-passed and my crossover tube is only bolted up for visuals. The heads don't accept the tube. I do have the 2 front cats on my car. Any further thoughts?
 

jrichker

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  • #455
joetrainer31 said:
Thank you for the info. I'll have to work through it and digest it. It seems odd that:
Observation 1) It takes a few minutes for the high idle to manifest once the computer has been reset.

Observation 2) That unplugging the IAC brings the high idle down.

To be clear, I'm not arguing any points w/you. I'm just trying to think through the issue(s) and communicate it. I'm thinking about a vac leak too. However, if there is a vac leak:

Question 1) Wouldn't it always have an idle problem from "go?" Why would it take several minutes to manifest after an ECM reset?

Question 2) How would unplugging the IAC help with a vac leak (i.e., bring the idle back down)? I'm thinking there could be more than one issue, or there is one root cause which affects more than one component.

Again, my smog pump is by-passed and my crossover tube is only bolted up for visuals. The heads don't accept the tube. I do have the 2 front cats on my car. Any further thoughts?
Click to expand...
The high idle with a delayed start after resetting the computer is caused by the computer relearning the sensor settings. When you disconnect either the battery or computer wiring connector, it clears the adaptive learning settings stored in the computer. Once it "learns" the sensor reading, it goes into closed loop operation where to computer uses sensor settings to control idle speed and air/fuel mixture ratios

The high idle is caused by the computer and disconnecting the IAC disables computer control of the idle. With the IAC disconnected, idle speed is determined by the base mechanical setting of the throttle.
 

joetrainer31

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#456
  • Jun 19, 2016
  • #456
jrichker said:
The high idle with a delayed start after resetting the computer is caused by the computer relearning the sensor settings. When you disconnect either the battery or computer wiring connector, it clears the adaptive learning settings stored in the computer. Once it "learns" the sensor reading, it goes into closed loop operation where to computer uses sensor settings to control idle speed and air/fuel mixture ratios

The high idle is caused by the computer and disconnecting the IAC disables computer control of the idle. With the IAC disconnected, idle speed is determined by the base mechanical setting of the throttle.
Click to expand...
Okay. Is that telling me that the IAC is bad (and maybe other things, too)? Hoopty suspects the IAC and so did I at first. However, the code 44 is throwing me a bit. I don't think that code is related to an IAC, but I can see where it could cause a high idle if the TAD is not functioning properly (i.e., improper or no vac). I'm just struggling to see where/how disconnecting the IAC could bring a vac loss/high idle down.

That is, unless, you are saying that if I have a faulty sensor/solenoid that could be causing a vac leak and not necessarily a bad vac hose. I'm still trying to understand this possible multi-concern issue, but are my queries making sense?
 

jrichker

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Th
joetrainer31 said:
Okay. Is that telling me that the IAC is bad (and maybe other things, too)? Hoopty suspects the IAC and so did I at first. However, the code 44 is throwing me a bit. I don't think that code is related to an IAC, but I can see where it could cause a high idle if the TAD is not functioning properly (i.e., improper or no vac). I'm just struggling to see where/how disconnecting the IAC could bring a vac loss/high idle down.

That is, unless, you are saying that if I have a faulty sensor/solenoid that could be causing a vac leak and not necessarily a bad vac hose. I'm still trying to understand this possible multi-concern issue, but are my queries making sense?
Click to expand...
If the TAD solenoid opens and instead of pulling a valve open, it sucks unmetered air, that could make a vacuum leak that would upset the idle speed and quality.

The IAC can only add air to increase the idle speed. Under computer control, it may add air and then cut it off while trying to stabilize the idle speed; this often results in a surging idle. It get stuck trying to fix a problem that it's programming caused.


IAC doesn't work: look for +12 volts at the IAC red wire. Then check for continuity between the white/lt blue wire and pin 21 on the computer. The IAC connector contacts will sometimes corrode and make the IAC not work. The red wire on the IAC is always hot with the engine in run mode. The computer provides a ground for the current for the IAC. It switches the ground on and off, making a square wave with a varying duty cycle. A normal square wave would be on for 50% of the time and off for 50% of the time. When the idle speed is low, the duty cycle increases more than 50% to open the IAC more. When the engine speed is high, it decreases the duty cycle to less than 50% to close the IAC. An old-fashioned dwell meter can be used to check the change: I haven’t tried it personally, but it should work. In theory, it should read ½ scale of whatever range you set it on with a 50% duty cycle. An Oscilloscope is even better if you can find someone who has one and will help.



Automobile computers use current sink technology. They do not source power to any relay, solenoid or actuator like the IAC, fuel pump relay, or fuel injectors. Instead the computer provides a ground path for the positive battery voltage to get back to the battery negative terminal. That flow of power from positive to negative is what provides the energy to make the IAC, fuel pump relay, or fuel injectors work. No ground provided by the computer, then the actuators and relays don't operate.

We are going to supply an artificial ground path to the IAC instead of letting the computer supply the ground.

Start the engine and let it warm up.

Take one of the cheap inline fuse holders with a 5 amp fuse in it. Use it to bypass the blue/white wire to ground. You'll have to get creative probing the back side of the IAC wiring with safety pins or paper clips. Since the computer doesn't supply any voltage , but supplies a ground, that can't hurt the computer. The 5 amp fuse protects you and the wiring if there is an internal short in the IAC coil.

The engine should speed up when the fuse holder wire is grounded and slow down or stall when the fuse holder wire is disconnected from ground.



Recommended procedure for cleaning the IAC/IAB:
Conventional cleaning methods like throttle body cleaner aren’t very effective. The best method is a soak type cleaner used for carburetors. If you are into fixing motorcycles, jet skis, snowmobiles or anything else with a small carburetor, you probably have used the one gallon soak cleaners like Gunk or Berryman. One of the two should be available at your local auto parts store for $22-$29. Take the solenoid off the body and set it aside: the carb cleaner will damage some types of plastic parts. Soak the metal body in the carb cleaner overnight. There is a basket to set the parts in while they are soaking. When you finish soaking overnight, twist the stem of the IAB/IAC that sticks out while the blocker valve is seated. This removes any leftover deposits from the blocker valve seat. Rinse the part off with water and blow it dry with compressed air. The IAC/IAB should seal up nicely now. Once it has dried, try blowing through the bottom hole and it should block the air flow. If it doesn't block the airflow, there is still something that is gumming up the works. Reassemble and reinstall to check it out. Reassemble and reinstall to check it out.

Gunk Dip type carb & parts soaker:


Setting the base idle speed:
First of all, the idle needs to be adjusted to where the speed is at or below 600 RPM with the IAC disconnected. If you have a wild cam, you may have to raise this figure 100-150 RPM or so. Then the electrical signal through the IAC can vary the airflow through it under computer control. Remember that the IAC can only add air to increase the base idle speed set by the mechanical adjustment. The 600 RPM base idle speed is what you have after the mechanical adjustment. The IAC increases that speed by supplying more air under computer control to raise the RPM’s to 650-725 RPM’s. This figure will increase if you have a wild cam, and may end up between 800-950 RPM

Remember that changing the mechanical idle speed adjustment changes the TPS setting too.

This isn't the method Ford uses, but it does work. Do not attempt to set the idle speed until you have fixed all the codes and are sure that there are no vacuum leaks.

Disconnect the battery negative terminal and turn the headlights on. Leave the battery negative terminal disconnected for 5 minutes or so. Then turn the headlights off and reconnect the battery. This erases the computer settings that may affect idle performance.

Warm the engine up to operating temperature, place the transmission in neutral, and set the parking brake. Turn off lights, A/C, all unnecessary electrical loads. Disconnect the IAC electrical connector. Remove the SPOUT plug. This will lock the ignition timing so that the computer won't change the spark advance, which changes the idle speed. Note the engine RPM: use the mechanical adjustment screw under the throttle body to raise or lower the RPM until you get the 600 RPM mark +/- 25 RPM. A wild cam may make it necessary to increase the 600 RPM figure to 700 RPM or possibly a little more to get a stable idle speed.
Changing the mechanical adjustment changes the TPS, so you will need to set it.

When you are satisfied with the results, turn off the engine, and re-install the SPOUT and reconnect the IAC. The engine should idle with the range of 650-750 RPM without the A/C on or extra electrical loads. A wild cam may make this figure somewhat higher.
 
Reactions: pats91 and joetrainer31

joetrainer31

15 Year Member
Mar 31, 2013
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Jun 27, 2016
#458
  • Jun 27, 2016
  • #458
Update: More Drama!

I decided to just R&R the TAD & TAB solenoids since I saw no vac hose leaks, and since they were 26 years old. I figured it couldn't hurt. While trying to reach down into that tiny little hole I found it necessary to remove the air intake tubing from the throttle body. When I removed the intake tubing several ounces of anti-freeze came out of the throttle body. I also noticed a dried leak stream of anti-freeze on the valve cover which was covered by the intake tubing.

I'm not sure why the TB is leaking. I cleaned the TB and intake surfaces really well and used acetone as well. I didn't torque the bolts because torquing on aluminum surfaces like that can easily strip something. I hope no anti-freeze went into the intake/combustion chamber. This car refuses to see road duty.



Leak which had formed on the valve cover beneath the air intake tubing, sneaky...
 
Last edited: Jun 28, 2016
Reactions: skyline247 and 90sickfox

joetrainer31

15 Year Member
Mar 31, 2013
869
364
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Jun 30, 2016
#459
  • Jun 30, 2016
  • #459
Update: Up & Running!

The main issue with the crazy idle and stalling seemed to be the coolant leak from the EGR spacer. If coolant is leaking out then so is vac (from this location). The cause of the leak was either a gasket that had the wrong orientation or a microcrack in the spacer itself, not sure.

Before I found the leak(s) I grabbed a code 44, which @jrichker was kind enough to help me with. Due to the code 44 I went ahead and bought a new Ford TAD & TAB solenoid. I inspected all the vac lines and saw no issue so I R&R'd the TAD & TAB solenoids. I figured it couldn't hurt as the original units were still on the car...26 years later. So, between the solenoids, the replaced EGR spacer, and new gaskets everything seems to be running fine. I let the car idle for about 20 minutes (i.e., from cold to running temp) with the A/C off and on, yet observed no idle problems and no high pitched squeal which had developed just before all the chaos started.

Thanks guys! I hope the Nasty Ninety Notch is done acting up.
 
Reactions: skyline247, hoopty5.0, 90sickfox and 2 others

Davedacarpainter

Chicks can make things hard if they’re inspired...
SN Certified Technician
Nov 28, 2015
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Jun 30, 2016
#460
  • Jun 30, 2016
  • #460
Right on man, maybe you can have some fun with it now. Good job.
 
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