Idle trouble

[TresPuntoDos]

Hi

First post, hope this is the right place.

Having some trouble with my '84 3.2. I don't use the car much (about 700 miles in last three years), and recently after starting her up have been getting a very, very rough idle. I tried air flow cleaner and removed the ICV and cleaned thoroughly but still getting a rough time. Below 3000 rpm it shudders and is reluctant to rev, then, over 3000 rpm it pulls smoothly and strongly.

Also, a very rich smell while running.

I'm thinking it's down to lack of use, the ICV and plugs have become fouled. Would appreciate input from anyone who's had similar trouble. Beyond what I've described it's probably a trip to my mechanic but would appreciate thoughts.

Thanks,
TPD

[DRACO A5OG]

Welcome aboard!

Do you have a back up DME relay, if so swap and see if it clears up

Try some Stabil fuel stabilizer or even Seafoam to get potential moisture out of the Fuel.

A tune up may help as well, plugs, rotor and cap, remember to drop some lube down the felt pad in the dizzy or at a minimum an Italian Tune up after she is proper warmed up.

For god sake driver her more

Do you have a pic of your baby?

Jim

[DRACO A5OG]

Oh yeah, also check for vacuum leaks,

[kidrock]

"I'm thinking it's down to lack of use..."

Certainly, that will do it. These cars need to be driven, there are dozens of threads like yours where a P-car isn't driven much and displays the symptoms you describe. When you say "lack of use", how much "lack" are we talking about?

And, just like Draco says above....DME relay, plugs, rotor, cap, vacuum.

[rusnak]

the list could be long, including bad gas, varnish in the fuel filter and injectors, etc etc.

+1 on driving it more.

[TresPuntoDos]

I've tried a new and known good DME but no joy. Bad fuel maybe.... how unlucky would I have to be???

I tried an italian tune up but gave up after 30 mins. (M&K exhaust isn't polite in my 'hood...) Why would it be good under 3K and pull normal above?

I will try to drive it more but I have a difficult garage arrangement.

As for a pic, well, it's a red 80's 3.2 with spoiler and tail. Look up 80s yuppie dream car ;-)

Appreciate your advice.

Thank you.

TPD

Originally Posted by DRACO A5OG

Welcome aboard!

Do you have a back up DME relay, if so swap and see if it clears up

Try some Stabil fuel stabilizer or even Seafoam to get potential moisture out of the Fuel.

A tune up may help as well, plugs, rotor and cap, remember to drop some lube down the felt pad in the dizzy or at a minimum an Italian Tune up after she is proper warmed up.

For god sake driver her more

Do you have a pic of your baby?

Jim

[DRACO A5OG]

Oh she is a beauty Likee the eruo turn signal lenses...

When was the last time the Fuel Filter was changed? Try removing the filter to see if there is debris at the inlet port. With the freakin E10 gas our rubber fuel lines really do not like sitting gas in lines. A recent poster found his filter clogged, he removed and cleaned out the debris and his baby is all well now.

Try some Techron/Seafoam with top off of gas. Make sure the ratio is proper too much of a good thing is bad.

[aj88cab]

I'd put the idle switch on the list of items to check also. Its located on the back left side of the throttle body.

[Tippy]

When you first start it, does it run fine and then as it warms up start to run rough?

[Tippy]

BTW, yo soy TresPuntosQuatro

I really don't know Spanish though, just liked your name.

[Nine9six]

Drain the old fuel, replace the fuel filter, refill and add a can of BG-40, then drive it all the live long day. If this does not clear up your problem, check for air leaks, Warm-up regulator (WUR), and possibly failing O2 sensor.
HTH

[Tippy]

There's not a WUR on a Motronic.

[Nine9six]

Originally Posted by Tippy

There's not a WUR on a Motronic.

You're right Tips...I dont know what was I thinking...But I do like the suggestions you made to help resolve the idle problem.

[Targalid]

The best advice you have received is to discard the old fuel. Modern gasoline formulations do not last more than a few months, if that. If you have only driven 700 miles in 3 years, how old is the fuel in the tank? This is the cause of your rough running. Drain and refill the fuel tank and use at least one container of fuel injection cleaner such as Techron or SeaFoam to help clean the deposits in the injection system. Replace the fuel filter. Then drive your beautiful car a whole lot more than you have been. When was your last oil change? There may be condensation in both the fuel tank and the oil tank if the car has sat this long. I don't see your location but if you live in a cold wet place condensation can be a real problem. If you live in a warm dry place, maybe not an issue. Drive it for a short interval and then change the oil too.

[Tippy]

Quote de Tippy

There's not a WUR on a Motronic.

You're right Tips...I dont know what was I thinking...But I do like the suggestions you made to help resolve the idle problem.

I'm not gonna blurt out a bunch of stuff until I understand things in a systematic approach.

This place is full of "DME relay" solutions to problems costing many here unnecessary money.....

[stlrj]

Before doing anything else, I would pull the spark plugs and replace them. And if that doesn't fix it, take it to the mechanic.

Nothing like starting with the basics.