New Q owner, new to boards.

[AUSTEX_Q]

Hello all. I finally got the car of my dreams the other day, a black 1991 Q45. Best part is, there was only 107k on the clock. Well needless to say I'm really excited, already started doing a little bodywork and cleaned the engine bay and undercarriage pretty thoroughly, ready to work on it. The power steering pump is going bad, it's quite obvious. The pump itself leaks oil like a son of a gun and you can feel the power steering on the Q going in and out. Got pump on order for 200 +50 core. I think I may need some new idler pulleys, the a/c and one near it, they just seem a little loose/noisy. My understanding is the vh45de should run quietly. I am going to do the chain guide job next, don't worry, the q isn't even insured so I'm not driving it. I want to do an oil pan drop, but if the rack has to come out, forget it. Just the crossmember would be fine, but I've never done it so I dunno. The other thing I'm not sure about, it seems to lurch when I'm standing on the brake and shifting it into gear or reverse. To me, it idles too high, but its pretty smooth. On a mildly cool start it goes up to 1200, then settles down to 1000, and about 850 in gear. I have never driven it really quite long enough while I was noticing this to let it fully warm, so perhaps I am just tripping. I would also like to do the transmission cooler thing, seems easy enough. Besides all that, just a pair of tires and a front end alignment keeping me from getting out and being king of the road. Well OK the interiors a little rough too. But I'll get there. Just wanted to let everyone know I got a Q and I'm here and any help/advice will be appreciated.

[ddrumman]

Welcome to NICO. It's the best source of information where your Q45 is concerned.

You obviously know about the chain guides, which is probably the most important issue for first gen Qs. Also get the dealer performed service history.

The experts will chime in, in a bit to tell you what else you need to do to get your car rolling.

Enjoy!!

[AlabamaDan]

Seems like you are on the right track. You'll love it here.

[qsiguy]

Welcome. Sounds like you are the right track and doing things right from the start. The idle issue shouldn't be difficult to fix and is pretty easy to adjust...that said I can't tell you how to do it without looking it up so someone else will probably beat me to it on instructions. That idle RPM is high. Mine idles around 600-700 if I remember correctly.

When I get to my manuals I'll look up some details if someone hasn't already spoken up.

[Q45tech]

Cold running idle speed is a function of coolant temperature! It usually takes 5-10/12 minutes to stablize to 750 rpm in park depending on starup temperature....................time required for coolant to reach 174F.

Same with transmission it behaves differently until the ATF reaches 174F.

Same with differential it is often sticky/sluggish until it reaches operating temperature and above 10 mph.

To get oil pan off you must support engine/transmission with a 900 lb hoist as the motor mounts are bolted to cross member.

Good luck and spend a week reading and rereading the Factory Service Manual.

[goody90q45]

Just wanted to let everyone know I got a Q and I'm here and any help/advice will be appreciated.

Welcome to NICO. Looks like you did a lot of reading before you made your first post. You happen to live in the same town (Austin, TX) as the King of Helpful Advice and our unofficial new member greeter- Brian (Maxnix). He'll probably be knocking at your door any minute holding a bag of plastic fasteners and a can of brake parts cleaner as lovely NICO welcoming gifts.

All kidding aside, Brian is very knowledgeable and you're fortunate to have an expert so close to you. Take advantage of it if the offer comes up. In the meantime there's plenty of good resources here for you. Enjoy your Q. It just gets better from here.

[maxnix]

Welcome to NICO.

Just for grins, if your idle doesn't go below 850 rpm when warm, check for play witht eh throttle cables on top. If there is none, that is a problem. If there is, then look at VC on both outboard sides, and if they are leaking, then consider the under plenum rehabilitation. If not, you may be able to survive a little longer with IAC and TB cleaning.

[elwesso]

Welcome to NICO.

The idle on a Q is a pretty sensitive item. Its quite a feat to have a perfectly idling Q45, just by the nature of the beast. Its possible that the idle could have gotten jacked up because it runs a little rough at 750 where it should be.

As long its between 500 and 1000 its good with me... Depends on your standards.

Make sure the hoses on the PS arent leaking too. Thatd be more common than a pump going bad.