Another Idling Problem Thread

[sbird1]

Ok, so I got tired of searching and reading 3+ pages of search results with no answer so I thought it was time to make my own thread.

First, the setup:S13 SR3 in turbo back exhaust2 12" fansNon-recirculating HKS SSQV welded to cold pipeMegan Exhaust ManifoldMegan PulleysGreddy Profec B Spec II Boost ControllerSome other crap...

So when I start the car it starts, immidiately falls down to about 3-400 RPM and then jumps back up to normal. After it warms up, when I take it out of gear, sometimes the RPM drops close to zero and then will jump back up. It has stalled on me twice (back to back when pulling in a parking lot). I checked all my BOV hoses and made sure it was solidly mounted. All hoses seem to be in tact. Boost gauge measures 20 mmHg of vaccuum and no boost leaks. Runs 8 psi low and 14 psi on the high setting. I cleaned the MAF with some carb cleaner and tried to clean out the TPS. I can't find a good culprit in all of this. Can someone give me a hand please!!!

P.S. can someone please tell me where to find the IACV and tell me how to properly clean it and the TPS.

P.P.S. One possible culprit that I have found is that the top, main electronics piece on the MAF has a big hole in the top cover. It has been covered with electrical tape since I got the car and this is the first time I have noticed it (I know, I'm dumb). Could that be the problem?

[fast_s13]

use brake cleaner not carb cleaner on the maf... you cant clean the tps...the iacv is on the intake has a screw to adjust idle.....i almost garauntee your problem lies withen you bov

[sbird1]

That's kind of what I gathered from looking at other threads, but I checked it and it's real tight on the pipe. I guess there might be a small hole in the weld?

[sbird1]

Anybody else? How about the hole in the MAF cover thing? I'll get a pic later if needed.

[duffman1278]

Did you clean your IACV?? Btw, they make a cleaner specifically for MAF's, I've HEARD that its not good to use either brake cleaner, or carb cleaner.

[sbird1]

I would if I knew A: what it looks likeB: Where on the manifold it is.

Is it something I have to unbolt or does it just sit there with an exposed screw?

[sbird1]

PROBLEM NOT FIXED. IDLE IS STILL BEING SCREWY. PLEASE HELP ME!!!

As suspected, I may have solved the problem.

I took off the cold pipe to inspect it and the BOV. Upon removal, I noticed a snapring holding the BOV in place was popped out of the groove on the back side. A simple tug, and the thing pulled right off. I have put it back on and securly fastened it. I think I may have solved my mystery.

I am going to clean the IACV, but something tells me that it isn't the problem...
Modified by sbird1 at 12:35 PM 4/5/2008

[redtop91]

I would if I knew A: what it looks likeB: Where on the manifold it is.

Is it something I have to unbolt or does it just sit there with an exposed screw?

Fail. Just look Scotty poo. It's under the upper intake manifold (Where the injectors and what not sit).

Looks like this:

Fail for not looking the FSM.

[sbird1]

I halfassed looked. Thanks for the info Ryon. You're such a pal.

[sbird1]

bump

[sbird1]

Fail. Just look Scotty poo. It's under the upper intake manifold (Where the injectors and what not sit).

Looks like this:

Fail for not looking the FSM.

Ryon, how do you clean it? Do I need to unbolt it from the mani? Can I do that without pulling the manifold off? I just took a look at it, and it looks like the intake is in the way of the bolts, not to mention the whole assembly.

[redtop91]

You'll need to unbolt it from the manifold. I'm about working easier even if it takes more time so I personally would just take off the manifold. You are failing a lot here Scotty poo. Just unscrew the screw pictured above and spray compressed air or carb cleaner in it. If you decide to use carb cleaner you might want to order a spare IACV gasket to be safe.

How to Clean IACV
Modified by redtop91 at 1:02 PM 4/5/2008

[sbird1]

Just unscrew the screw pictured above and spray compressed air or carb cleaner in it.

How to Clean IACV

Thank you. I will report as to what that does.

[1wayIsSideways]

Almost guarantee that if you re-circulate your BOV, problem will be solved.

[sbird1]

I actually took it off in an attempt to figure out the idle problem just the other day. It runs the same way it did then, so it's not a re-circ issue.

Oh, and I cleaned the IACV just now with carb cleaner as well as compressed air with no change in the idle.
Modified by sbird1 at 9:22 PM 4/6/2008

[redtop91]

Did you clean the IACV yet Scoot?

[sbird1]

OK, here's what I have done. Still not fixed:

1. Pulled coldpipe and BOV. Made sure both are good.2. IACV cleaned with carb cleaner and compressed air.3. Spark plugs pulled, cleaned, and gapped.4. Bay pressure washed to remove surface deposits and clean moving parts.

Next thing is to check to see if the ECU is putting out codes. If anyone has any more ideas, please let me know. The car has stalled on me 2 or 3 more times today. This thing is really pissing me off.

[Tulsa_S-13]

Things you need to do:

1. Check timing, never a bad idea.2. Boost leak tester. There's a DIY floating around NICO and even if you think your system is tight you'll more than likely find some small leak that needs to be addressed regardless of idle problems.3. Fix boost leaks4. Unbolt the IACV, then clean it completely out.

5. You have a hole near your MAF? Although not necessarily a culprit of your idle, you need to fix that.

[redtop91]

Craptastic (IE 17 year old SR) or broken grounds cause a funky idle. Check those while we are fishing around the engine bay.

[sbird1]

Just checked the ECU codes, and I got a 55. "Other Malfunction. CONSULT Terminal Required".

WTF is going on!?!?!

[duffman1278]

55 means you're fine iirc

[sbird1]

Well, today I think I may have discovered the problem. As I was sitting about to turn out of the neighborhood with the car in neutral, I noticed white smoke billowing out of the exhaust. It quit after a few seconds, but there it was. Coolant. I'm going to see if the oil has coolant in it tomorrow, but I think I may have a head gasket problem. This could be bad.

[duffman1278]

Might as well do a compression test

[sbird1]

My ipod broke today (that I've had for all of 5 months), my FZR has a nail in the tire and I need new ones, and my SR may have a blown head gasket. My life just keeps getting better and better.

[sbird1]

Car has begun to smoke and sputter badly. I have begun contemplating suicude.

[fast_s13]

pull it apart and put a new head gasket on it....i know how bad it sucks getting nails in motor cycle tires..i got a nail in my front tire the first day i got it only had 33 miles on it