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Rough Idle, terrible cold starts

  • Thread starter Thread starter TWRViper
  • Start date Start date Jun 1, 2005
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TWRViper

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My idle sucks and it takes 3-5 starts for the engine to even idle when cold. I usually have to give it some throttle to keep it from dying when the engine is cold.

I tried replacing my IAC to no avail. When I disconnect the IAC the engine RPMs surge. I thought it was supposed to die.

My EGR was removed with no CEL. Only code 33. I don't see any vacuum leaks. I've got 36lb injectors, 36psi fuel pressure, PRO M maf, vortech 12 psi sc, AC removed.

I checked my TPS signal it reads 0.6V when the key is on and the engine is off. I guess that is low. But I don't have a CEL. No engine running codes.

I can't turn the TPS on the two screws enough to get the .9v. Is the low TPS signal causing the rough idle. The only way I can get the .9V is by turning the idle up to 2000 RPMs.

Any ideas?

Thanks
Tom
 

stang22

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The TPS should be between .95 to 4.50 at WOT. You may have to use a dremmel or a drill bit hollow the holes in the TPS so you can adjust it. It doesn't take much to get the .30volts difference.

Tim
 
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TWRViper

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Would that explain why RPMs surge when I disconnect the IAC plug?
 

stang22

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Not necessarily. The IAC is responsible for keeping the idle in check (or it's supposed to). You disconnect it and there goes your idle.

Tim

IDLE AIR CONTROL VALVE (IAC)


Definition: An electrically-operated valve which allows air to bypass the throttle plate in a fuel injected engine to regulate engine idle speed.
 

jrichker

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See the sticky "Help me create the Surging Idle Checklist" at the top of the forum. There will be some helpful information in the posts.
 

HISSIN50

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FWIW, code 33 is an EGR code (last time I checked).

I would go through and reset the idle from scratch - what you have is just not right and it has been played with enough that things might not be in concert.

Here is a link with some info on doing this:

http://www.muscularmustangs.com/iac.php

good luck.
 

RYC CUKR

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I went through the idle setting procedure that HISSIN put up in the link and I still had issues. I couldn't figure out what it was. I had checked everything and couldn't see where I could have a vacuum leak but that is what I had. At the TB/EGR spacer, in my case delete plate.

I got a can of starting fluid and went around the engine and sprayed starting fluid on all of the gaskets and vacuum connection and that is how I found it. With the starting fluid the engine will idle itself up when you find the vacuum leak. Went through and tightened everything down and the car starts and runs 10x better.
 
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TWRViper

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Ok I replaced the IAC it seemed the old IAC was only working sometimes.. but I'm not sure on that. Some times my vacuum is 10 psi while some times it is 0-1 psi. Would that be due to the supercharger?

I also adjusted the throttle and the TPS to .95V. It seems it is idling better but it dies after a few seconds when starting cold (after 4-6 hours). It takes a few starts to allow it to idle.

Anyone with a supercharger have this problem?
 
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TWRViper

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I just realized that the AFPR's vacuum connecter was never hooked up (no vacuum leak, just didn't have a hose for it). Is that normal? Would that be a problem?

What does the vacuum connection do for the AFPR?
 

HISSIN50

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The vac connection helps regulate the fuel pressure. at idle (high vac) the FPR puts out less pressure than it does at WOT (little manifold vac). The puter assumes the regulator is connected to vac.

good luck.
 
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TWRViper

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Ok today I tried hooking the AFPR up to the vacuum. It seems that the fuel pressure decreases when I rev the engine. Would that be because of the supercharger?
 
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TWRViper

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In addition the guy before me capped off the EGR valve on the back of the throttle body. The reason this was done was probably because the aftermarked exhaust did not have the holes for the emmissions stuff.

The colored vacuum tree (red, green, white, and black) on the passenger side of the was left dangling but the electronic sensors and vacuum valves are still connected. No CEL, but code 33. To those of you who have successfully removed the EGR, do I need to connect any of those colored vacuum lines on the passanger side?
 
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TWRViper

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I readjusted my TPS to the minimum voltage (~.55V) to decrease the amount of fuel added during idle.

I got the idle air bypass kit from 50resto.com. Seems to be a little rough in the mornings but doesn't die. Much better!

Still looking for EGR vacuum lines to reconnect my EGR again...
 

stang22

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TWRViper said:
I readjusted my TPS to the minimum voltage (~.55V) to decrease the amount of fuel added during idle.
Click to expand...

What was you reasoning for setting it so low?

Tim
 
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TWRViper

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It seemed it was running to rich before the o2 sensors were warm and not enough air was getting in. Even before I installed the idle air bypass kit it seemed to idle better.
 

stang22

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The seems a little low to me. I believe the object is to get to 4.5v (WOT) the quickest, therefore setting your base TPS setting to .99v or close to that.

Tim
 

dvs bullet

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If you are running rich at an idle, then your prblems are somewhere other than the tps sensor, I still suspect a leak some where check you pcv and see if it is plugged, also you could have a leak on the inside of the engine. just some thoughts
 

HISSIN50

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The TPS reading is zeroed-out upon start up, if it can. If not, it should toss a code. The puter knows to expect a reading around one volt, and it will zero out that reading as a baseline.

I would be lookin elsewhere. If it starts running poorly till the O2's light off, that is only 30 seconds to 2 minutes of decent operation, which is not too great. If you wish for ideas on what else to check, a sig might help.

Good luck.
 
T

TWRViper

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Ok I just made a sig. Let's see if it works...

The PCV is replaced by a breather filter. The inlet on the TB is capped.
The EGR has been capped, so that might be causing a little bit of a problem... if anyone has any of the vacuum lines for the emissions stuff let me know. I want to reinstall it.

I plan on recalibrating the TPS to .99V to see if it gets any better. I'll let you know.

I have no CELs.

Tom
 

jrichker

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See http://www.veryuseful.com/mustang/tech/engine/ for vacuum & wiring diagams. Add this site to your favorites, since there is lots of good stuff on it.
 
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