• Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • 2.3L (N/A & Turbo) Tech

Rough idle on an 88 LX

  • Thread starter Thread starter ethangsmith
  • Start date Start date Feb 4, 2007
E

ethangsmith

Member
Jan 28, 2007
227
0
16
Manheim, PA
Feb 4, 2007
#1
  • Feb 4, 2007
  • #1
Ever since I bought my 88 LX, it has idled excessively rough. Not a misfire, it idles like a tractor. I know 2.3L's are not known for smooth operation, but this is definitly worse than normal. Here is what I have done so far to try and correct the issue: New plugs (Autolite copper), wires, cap, rotor, oil change, intake cleaning, new air filter, ran 3 tanks of fuel injector cleaner, installed new vacuum lines to replace damaged ones, replaced EGR valve, removed and cleaned idle air controller, and had a new oxygen sensor installed. The computer throws no codes when KOER, KOEO, and CM codes are retrieved. It is bone stock with 74K miles. The previous owner told me that the car has always had synthetic oil since new (I am continuing to use 10W30 Mobil 1 or 5W40 Rotella Synthetic) and it shows. It does not have any leaks and burns very little oil. My only concern is the fact that synthetic oil is molecularily very thin. Often times when I start the car, the oil pressure gauge reads 50psi (I know they can be innacurate) but after the engine is warm, it will drop to 15-30psi (15 at idle, 30 under accleration). My fear is that the cam is worn down and causing this, but, above idle, it does run very well and deliver good fuel economy. So I guess my question is 2 part: What on earth could be causing my low, rough idle (sometimes stalls when going from drive into park) and would synthetic oil really cause low oil pressure and excessive engine wear?
 

mg man

Member
Jun 24, 2006
142
0
16
Feb 5, 2007
#2
  • Feb 5, 2007
  • #2
Check IAC valve. Valve on side of throttle body maybe sturck or dirty and needs cleaning. Oil pressures seems low but I have turbo motor don't know if differant someone else will have to help on that one.
 
E

ethangsmith

Member
Jan 28, 2007
227
0
16
Manheim, PA
Feb 5, 2007
#3
  • Feb 5, 2007
  • #3
I had disassembled and cleaned the IAC a few months ago, but I am beginning to wonder if it is failing. The oil pressure concerns me, but I don't know if it is the gauge or not and I don't have a way of checking the real oil pressure.
 
M

mightypoof

Founding Member
Mar 14, 2002
523
0
0
Glendale, AZ
Feb 16, 2007
#4
  • Feb 16, 2007
  • #4
Have you checked the timing?

I would guess IAC too....toss a new one on there
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

A
Rough idle - cylinder 1 and 6 misfire HELP
  • austindavies935
  • Jul 24, 2025
  • SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech
Replies
12
Views
697
SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech Jul 24, 2025
gkomo
F
Spark Plugs Caused Rough Idle & Driving
  • firevert
  • Sep 1, 2025
  • 2005 - 2009 Specific Tech
Replies
3
Views
398
2005 - 2009 Specific Tech Sep 3, 2025
Noobz347
SURGING IDLE / NO IDLE CHECKLIST FOR 1999–2004 MUSTANG GT (4.6L 2V) - Work In Progress
  • Noobz347
  • Aug 30, 2025
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
Replies
0
Views
875
1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk- Aug 30, 2025
Noobz347
SURGING IDLE / NO IDLE CHECKLIST FOR 1996–1998 MUSTANG GT (4.6L 2V) - Work In Progress
  • Noobz347
  • Aug 30, 2025
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
Replies
0
Views
716
1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk- Aug 30, 2025
Noobz347
8
Engine Rough idle and aggressive sputtering when accelerating
  • 88vertible
  • Aug 13, 2025
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
4
Views
1K
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Dec 13, 2025
Jarhead67
J
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • 2.3L (N/A & Turbo) Tech
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?