unstable low RPMīs

[Robert Sanchez]

I have a 1984 3.2 that seems to take longer now to stablize after a cold start. Before it us to go up and down about 3 or 4 times, now it takes a few minutes untill til the RPMīs become stalbe. What part should I check first?
Bob

[DIANA]

Clean(very well)the valve idle with carburettor cleaneer and control your c.o. nivel.

good luck.

[stlrj]

Have you updated your head temperature sensor with the two wire sensor?

Cheers,

Joe

[Robert Sanchez]

yes, did that acouple of years ago. This is something that has just started yesturday.

[Joe Bob]

Sounds to me like it's sucking air some place....have you LIGHTLY sprayed ether or carb cleaner around the gasket areas of the intake?

Does the idle steady out when warm? Does steady out quicker when the outside temp is higher?

[krichard]

I am having the exact same problem on my 88 3.2. I am interested in what you find that fixes it.

[Robert Sanchez]

Mike once it heats up it runs fine. Its the five minute it take to reach the ideal temp that is buging me. The idle will run up and down between 500 and 1500 rpms.
Bob

[Kurt B]

This may sound a little off the wall, but I chased unstable idle on my 3.2 for a long time and actually noticed the biggest change after I changed my alternator. It's very steady now. Whether the voltage just messes with the DME electronics or if the bad bearings actually cause the problems, I can't say, but the idle completely cleared up.

It is likely there are several things going on. I too changed the cold start valve (or the valve on the front of the manifold, cylinder), plugs, injectors, over the years, and nothing really helped until this last bit).

Check the small vaccuum lines as well, esp near the oil filler side of the car and behind the manifold.

[Robert Sanchez]

Thanks Kurt, looks like I am in for some fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[stlrj]

Try lowering your base idle speed and see if that helps. It may be that simple. And if that doesn't help, you can always raise it back up.

Joe

[3.2 CAB]

After I replaced Ref/Speed sensors my engine has quit the idle hunting and the high idle 1500-2000 rpm that it used to do for no apparent reason at various times.

[Robert Sanchez]

Is the Ref/Speed sensors the same as the idle speed regulator?

[Robert Sanchez]

Krichard, last night I cleaned the idle valve with some carb cleaner and today the car is running a lot better and the idle is stable so far.
Thank to Diana for that tip.

[krichard]

Thanks for the tip. I will try that this weekend.