Notices
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks 1987 - 1996 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350 and larger pickups - including the 1997 heavy-duty F250/F350+ trucks

LOW IDLE

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 27, 2019 | 05:46 PM
  #1  
5X5's Avatar
5X5
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
10 Year Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
LOW IDLE

My '88 EFI 460 has never idled well. Usually lower than 600 rpms. Just rebuilt the motor and trans.No vacuum leaks. Runs lean, never hits cold idle(factory 1200 spec, mine 8-900), drops idle when coming to stop or going RND/DNR 400 to near stall. Pulled the codes for MAP sensor/replaced, EGR clogged(only 1 year old and changed out for new), checked O2 sensor(w/in specs), TIP specs w/in specs. All emissions plumbing was replaced. This is at the point of what I know what to do. Any guesses or known solutions.
 
Reply
Old Mar 27, 2019 | 06:28 PM
  #2  
ZombieF150's Avatar
ZombieF150
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 735
Likes: 8
From: NC
Proper temp / properly operating thermostat? Radiator cap working correctly? Engine coolant sensor good? O2 sensors been checked?
Has the adjustment screw on the IAC been messed with?



Just brain storming here...
 
Reply
Old Mar 28, 2019 | 08:32 AM
  #3  
5X5's Avatar
5X5
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
10 Year Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
O2 sensor good. I disconnected the coolant sensor to see if the idle would adjust higher as per cold running cycle and no change. Didn't see an adjustment screw on the IAC. Pressure tested cap. I know that are no real adjustment for this system. Reminds me of the late emission carbs. Didn't have much to adjust and the adjustments never worked.
 
Reply
Old Mar 29, 2019 | 12:51 AM
  #4  
vjsimone's Avatar
vjsimone
Cargo Master
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Liked
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 3,175
Likes: 15
From: Somewhere n North America
Originally Posted by 5X5
Didn't see an adjustment screw on the IAC.
Unplug the Air Bypass Valve/AIC, see if it make a difference. RPM should drop down some, or even an engine stall.

It is also a good Idea to remove this valve, spray it down with Carb cleaner & replace with new gasket.


Zombi, I think is talking about the "Throttle Stop Screw" on the Throttle Body...
 
Reply
Old Mar 29, 2019 | 01:04 AM
  #5  
vjsimone's Avatar
vjsimone
Cargo Master
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Liked
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 3,175
Likes: 15
From: Somewhere n North America
Originally Posted by 5X5
O2 sensor good.
How do you know ?
Also, O2 sensor does not affect Cold-Idle start-up.
The O2 is ignored by the EECM during Cold-Idle start-up.
 
Reply
Old Mar 29, 2019 | 01:16 AM
  #6  
vjsimone's Avatar
vjsimone
Cargo Master
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Liked
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 3,175
Likes: 15
From: Somewhere n North America
Originally Posted by 5X5
I disconnected the coolant sensor to see if the idle would adjust higher as per cold running cycle and no change.
Disconnecting the ECT/Coolant Sensor would imitate a low voltage/resistance, which equates to a fully warmed engine, so doing this may not change your situation.
You should have seen a ECT code when this is disconnected.

Disconnect the ECT, and measure the resistance across the 2 pins of the sensor.
Go to the site via link below, compare you location temperature to the resistance your cold sensor should be.
Say it's 50 degs F. where you are working on your sensor, the sensor resistance should be around 45K ohms, 45,000 ohms. If it is not close to the comparison resistance, then it is out of range.

Ford Fuel Injection » Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor (ECT)
 
Reply
Old Mar 29, 2019 | 01:31 AM
  #7  
vjsimone's Avatar
vjsimone
Cargo Master
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Liked
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 3,175
Likes: 15
From: Somewhere n North America
Originally Posted by 5X5
My '88 EFI 460 has never idled well. Usually lower than 600 rpms. Just rebuilt the motor and trans.
How did it idle before you rebuilt the engine ?
 
Reply
Old Mar 29, 2019 | 02:46 AM
  #8  
vjsimone's Avatar
vjsimone
Cargo Master
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Liked
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 3,175
Likes: 15
From: Somewhere n North America
Create a small vacuum leak to see if the idle raises.
like, disconnect the Speed Control or HVAC/Air handling vacuum line from the Vacuum Tree.

Don't use the MAP, FPR, PVC or Brake hoses.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

 Brett Foote
story-2

Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

 Brett Foote
story-6

2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026

 Brett Foote
story-9

5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time

 Joe Kucinski
Old Mar 29, 2019 | 08:44 AM
  #9  
5X5's Avatar
5X5
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
10 Year Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
It idled inconsistently before the rebuild. Did disconnect the coolant sensor hoping for a change but it was negligible.
 
Reply
Old Mar 29, 2019 | 09:42 AM
  #10  
ZombieF150's Avatar
ZombieF150
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 735
Likes: 8
From: NC
Originally Posted by vjsimone
Unplug the Air Bypass Valve/AIC, see if it make a difference. RPM should drop down some, or even an engine stall.

It is also a good Idea to remove this valve, spray it down with Carb cleaner & replace with new gasket.


Zombi, I think is talking about the "Throttle Stop Screw" on the Throttle Body...
Yes, That is what I was referring to. people seem to like to tweak with those.
 
Reply
Old Mar 29, 2019 | 09:47 AM
  #11  
vjsimone's Avatar
vjsimone
Cargo Master
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Liked
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 3,175
Likes: 15
From: Somewhere n North America
Originally Posted by ZombieF150
Yes, That is what I was referring to. people seem to like to tweak with those.
Yes, old carburetor lads who had no clue about the new EFI systems...
 
Reply
Old Mar 29, 2019 | 09:41 PM
  #12  
ZombieF150's Avatar
ZombieF150
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 735
Likes: 8
From: NC
I wonder if clogged injectors might be part of the issue. He mentioned it runs lean. If injectors were not able to supply the amount of fuel needed....
 
Reply
Old Mar 30, 2019 | 07:28 AM
  #13  
5X5's Avatar
5X5
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
10 Year Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
I had the injectors tested prior to the rebuild and they were w/in range. I just removed the new EGR and plugged the hole and got 200-250 addition rpm.If this works I might for go w/o one. I know that it is counter intuitive but that cooler exhaust gas coming thru the EGR cools down the charge entering the combustion chamber. W/O one it might ping. Maybe premium gas will be the answer.
 
Reply
Old Mar 30, 2019 | 09:38 AM
  #14  
Conanski's Avatar
Conanski
FTE Legend
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Community Builder
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
Likes: 1,499
From: Ottawa, Ontario
Originally Posted by 5X5
I just removed the new EGR and plugged the hole and got 200-250 addition rpm.
You just found the problem I think, the EGR should not be open at idle. Is there vacuum on the line to the EGR valve at idle? Again there should not be so if there is either it is mistakenly hooked up to manifold vacuum or the EGR vacuum regulator is malfunctioning.
 
Reply
Old Apr 1, 2019 | 04:29 PM
  #15  
5X5's Avatar
5X5
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
10 Year Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
Water got into the ECM. Was packed with dielectric grease. Cleaned it , dried it and installed it. Running better. Anyone have a source for that rubbery/foam grommet that the cabling runs from the motor to the ECM?
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
NotMatt
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
16
Jan 8, 2025 05:58 PM
Boss_Hogg
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
18
Jan 21, 2019 06:56 AM
allmyfords
1978 - 1996 Big Bronco
4
Mar 17, 2004 08:00 PM
georgedavila
1978 - 1996 Big Bronco
3
Sep 18, 2001 07:54 PM
baurley
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
6
Aug 31, 2000 01:34 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:43 AM.

story-0
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-1
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-2
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-3
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

Slideshow: first look at the 810 hp 2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road!

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-12 12:50:07


VIEW MORE
story-6
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

Slideshow: Everything You Need to Know about the 2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-07 17:51:06


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!

Slideshow: 10 most surprising Ford truck options/features in 2026.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:17:22


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026

Slideshow: Here are the top 10 Fords coming to Mecum Indy 2026.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:49:49


VIEW MORE
story-9
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time

Slideshow: The 5 best and 5 worst Ford truck wheels of all time

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 16:49:01


VIEW MORE