Rough idle!
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Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9,495
Likes: 2,019
From: North Texas
Rough idle!
Would one bad plug cause this much irratic idle?
My belt is slipping a bit also, I am going to the parts store now to get a shorter one (yes it is too long) think that may contribute to the problem?
My belt is slipping a bit also, I am going to the parts store now to get a shorter one (yes it is too long) think that may contribute to the problem?
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,061
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From: Still under the hood in O
Rough idle!
Look at the contacs. If they look worn replace it. I probably have replace more good ones than bad just to cover all bases.
Something to consider though, if the contacts are worn too far the spark will have a harder time jumping (they don't actually touch).
Something to consider though, if the contacts are worn too far the spark will have a harder time jumping (they don't actually touch).
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 432
Likes: 3
From: Oregon Coast
Rough idle!
What carburator is on here and did it get taken off? Did you have the intake off? You said from the valve covers up. What is above the valve covers? It may be a vacuum leak. I would spray around the intake and base of the carb with some starting fluid to scout for leaks. Just some thoughts. I hate when my van isn't running perfect either.
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Thread Starter
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Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9,495
Likes: 2,019
From: North Texas
Rough idle!
My truck is SEFI MAF. I torqued everything to spec also. The upper to lower bolts are 15ft-lbs
I replaced, valve cover gaskets, TB gasket, EGR gasket, IAC, lower manifold, front and rear lower manifold, upper to lower manifold gasket, and the water pump.
I swapped that cap and rotor and the idle is a bit better but somethin is still amiss
I replaced, valve cover gaskets, TB gasket, EGR gasket, IAC, lower manifold, front and rear lower manifold, upper to lower manifold gasket, and the water pump.
I swapped that cap and rotor and the idle is a bit better but somethin is still amiss
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 383
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From: Newport News USA
Rough idle!
Hit man, I know your pain!! 
Try setitng your timing to 10* BTDC, then while it's running, start looking for a vacuum leak. Do the vacuum hose test thingy. How are your plug wires? How old are they? I know you have the FMS wires, but how do they check out? Check the resistance on 'em, especially the coil wire. I'm not sure what the specs are, but I'm pretty sure Haynes will have the stock wire specs, and you can use those as a baseline.
During the "operation", did you have the battery disconnected? If so, you may try setting the base timing, then try to let it idle, IF it will.
Good luck man.
Try setitng your timing to 10* BTDC, then while it's running, start looking for a vacuum leak. Do the vacuum hose test thingy. How are your plug wires? How old are they? I know you have the FMS wires, but how do they check out? Check the resistance on 'em, especially the coil wire. I'm not sure what the specs are, but I'm pretty sure Haynes will have the stock wire specs, and you can use those as a baseline.During the "operation", did you have the battery disconnected? If so, you may try setting the base timing, then try to let it idle, IF it will.
Good luck man.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2002
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From: North Texas
Rough idle!
The plug wires have no more than 6K mi on them. It also would idle like crap under load when (just barely) idling. I drove it all down the street and felt okay driving.
When Dr. Eric (me) went to work, yes I disconnected the battery. I tried setting the timing with that SPOUT connector off and everything. As my Dr. skills are of a general practice, I took it into a Specialist who is ASE certified.
I shall find out later today what the problem is/was
When Dr. Eric (me) went to work, yes I disconnected the battery. I tried setting the timing with that SPOUT connector off and everything. As my Dr. skills are of a general practice, I took it into a Specialist who is ASE certified.
I shall find out later today what the problem is/was
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,987
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From: Memphis, TN
Rough idle!
Originally posted by Hit Man X
'88 F-150 302/AOD...
I had a couple of buddies of mine check out the truck and well they know the timing is off, not by any extreme amounts and can be adjusted via the distributor...it is super retarded to barely idle now.
The idle problem we are about 90% sure an intake leak by the EGR valve! Apparently I forgot to reinstall a bolt and the gasket so my leak is coming from there!
So it has been decided the motor is trying too hard to make up for the air leak at idle...it drives down the street okay.
Do you guys think this leak would cause my problems?
'88 F-150 302/AOD...
I had a couple of buddies of mine check out the truck and well they know the timing is off, not by any extreme amounts and can be adjusted via the distributor...it is super retarded to barely idle now.
The idle problem we are about 90% sure an intake leak by the EGR valve! Apparently I forgot to reinstall a bolt and the gasket so my leak is coming from there!
So it has been decided the motor is trying too hard to make up for the air leak at idle...it drives down the street okay.
Do you guys think this leak would cause my problems?
You replaced the water pump & gaskets above the heads.
Then you found the EGR leak. Have you fixed that yet?
Did you ever pull the codes? Did you set the engine to #1 TDC before you pulled the distributor? Have you ever confirmed that the timing mark on the harmonic balancer is still aligned?
Last edited by steve83; Aug 23, 2003 at 04:39 PM.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9,495
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From: North Texas
Rough idle!
Yes I also replaced the intake gaskets as the rear one was leaking a bit of oil from it. Hence why the distributor came out.
Haven't had the chance yet, will probably be replaced within a day or so...I am busy and so are my peeps assisting me.
I never pulled the codes, I should have but it was fine before I took everything apart and knew it was something in the rebuild that was FUBAR'd
Haven't had the chance yet, will probably be replaced within a day or so...I am busy and so are my peeps assisting me.
I never pulled the codes, I should have but it was fine before I took everything apart and knew it was something in the rebuild that was FUBAR'd