85 Carrera runs rough cold

[petemfa51]

Car runs great once warmed up....When started cold, I have to hold the gas pedal down keeping the rpm's at 1500 to 2000 in order to keep the car running. Once warmed up it happily idles at 900rpm without a problem.

Any ideas on where to start?

[DRACO A5OG]

Welcome to the board 85.

There are allot of threads on this subject.

But here it goes, check for vacuum leaks, while cold and initial start up, raise the lid and tap on the ICV ( idle control valve ) if it clears up a bit, remove, check if you can rattle it by a twisting moition and clean the internals with some carb cleaner to get rid of the oil sediments. If this does not help check the OHMs on the ICV, if not within tolerances, replace.

If you have not done so, get a Bentley Manual to find the 6 culprit vacuum leak points. Basically check all hoses for tears or rips especially at the connections behind the throttle body.

Jim

[steely]

wow - you joined in '06? Well, maybe you've lurked a bit since then.
You'll see that Jim is on the mark. search for some vacuum leaks to eliminate them as potential contributors please before replacing anything. Over time, a couple of things can happen to give you symptoms that could possibly be mis-diagnosed. I will only add that you should feel the ICV vibrating - it's basically a servo.

Another thing to check is the idle position switch - ensure it is closing on idle.
Welcome and let us know how it goes.

[petemfa51]

Thanks for the replies....I'll check the items listed and get back to everyone with the outcome.

As to the long period of inactivity????

I was bitten by a Dodge Viper a while back and have been in recovery. I recently stumbled across a nice 85 Carrera and added it to the collection. The Viper is a brutal machine that just makes me smile everytime I drive it. Sure, it rattles, squeaks, it's loud, and in your face. It's basically a sledge hammer.

The Carrera on the other hand is a finely made precision tool, beautifully screwed together to such a high level that the car, even at 26 years old, STILL feels as if it was created from a solid block of steel.

IMHO, these aircooled 3.2 Carrera's are insanely under valued at the present time. The pure quality and over building of the cars is just not available anymore. I remember when 356's could be purchased in mint condition for $15,000 as little as 10 years ago. At some point the "market" will catch up to the 3.2 cars. Even at 26 years of age they easily contend with modern highway speeds, are extremely comfortable, and drive like nothing else for the price. My car has 72,000 original miles and was purchased for $12K......That's USED Toyota Tacoma money folks!!

Nice to be back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Nick Triesch]

This happened to a friend of mine a few years ago with his 84 Carrera. It turned out to be the "brain". He did a search and had a good used one shipped to him and as soon as it was installed the car worked fine when cold. Nick Still, check the other stuff first!