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Re:Idle quality keeps changing!?
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bottles0
Novice
Jul 27, 2008, 9:01 PM
Post #1 of 5
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Re:Idle quality keeps changing!?
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I don't have any engine codes. I have had it scanned at AutoZone, and there is nothing. I have also had the TPS changed. When I start the car cold, it pings very badly, and there isn't a lot of vacuum for the brakes. And when I stop at the bottom of my driveway, it idles very rough. I put 4 E3 spark plugs in it, and ran a bottle of STP super concentrated fuel injection cleaner and a tank of Shell gasoline through it. It now has more power, but the rough idle also comes and goes when driving around town or to work, i.e. stop and go traffic. Could this possibly be an intermittent vac uum leak? I'm all ears. Also, where is the PCV elbow on this thing? Too many hoses under the hood!
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jul 28, 2008, 5:13 AM
Post #2 of 5
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Re: Re:Idle quality keeps changing!?
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It would help if you'd tell us what this is?
Vacuum assisted power brakes should be on a dedicated vacuum line to booster. Booster and feed to it if leaking could be the cause of rough idle, stalling, and loss of assist to brakes.
If engine's actual vacuum is always low a larger vacuum leak or valve timing could be the issue,
T
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bottles0
Novice
Aug 1, 2008, 4:04 AM
Post #3 of 5
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Re: Re:Idle quality keeps changing!?
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 Well, Tom, could you please tell me some safe methods for finding a vacuum leak? I have severe psoriasis on my hands, which precludes feeling around for a leak. Is there a smoke or spray that might reveal it? Please let me know.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Aug 1, 2008, 5:50 AM
Post #4 of 5
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Idle quality keeps changing!?
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Is it a secret as to what kind of vehicle this is? I won't tell - promise!
Erratic idle can be a vacuum leak - we don't know that but you would like to rule it out. Safe checking for vacuum leaks is hard to define as it involves a running engine so it's not safe right out of the gate.
Vacuum leaks could be anything that seals vacuum - gaskets, hoses connectors etc. You can look for flaws, listen for leaks, nudge hoses and items for a change in idle or spray something that will be sucked in and burn which would alter the idle. Spray would include flammables so would be a safety issue. Brake cleaner spray is not flammable or at least some aren't and the risk of fire would be lessened.
With an unseen leak a spray would change the idle for better or worse depending on what was used and where the leak is. A tiny stream of water would be the safest.
*Carb cleaners work but can cause a fire
*WD-40 can work but flammable
*Brake cleaner is hard on rubber and paints
*Any of these could harm certain items
DIY car work is AYOR (at your own risk) or take it to a professional shop,
T
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way2old
Veteran
/ Moderator
Aug 1, 2008, 5:57 AM
Post #5 of 5
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Re: Idle quality keeps changing!?
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You can use baby powder and rub it on all vacuum lines, connections and gaskets. If there is a vacuum leak, the engine will suck a clean spot where it pulls the powder in. It is not really neat way to do it, but it smells pretty good.
Being way2old is why I need help from younger minds
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