Hard start/poor idle

[Bernard Littau]

> This is on an '88 5KCSQ.
>
> When I start the car (doesn't matter if its hot or cold, but it seems
> worse when hot) the car turns over a long time before catching.  I
> also need to give it some gas or it will just die.  Once it's running, for
> the first few minutes it won't idle and I'm heel-toeing it to keep the car
> from dying at stoplights.  After a few minutes it will idle, but not very
> well and sometimes it'll just die.  Other than this, the car runs great.
>
> Anyone have any idea what this might be?  Idle stab. valve?  Maybe
> one of the turbo hoses?  I do hear some whooshing whenever the
> turbo is doing its thing, but only with the windows down.  I've never
> driven a 5KCSQ, so I don't know what's a normal amount of turbo
> noise, but it seems pretty normal.
>
> I've tried pulling the connector on the cold start injector, and it
> doesn't do any good.  I can hear the idle switch being contacted, but
> maybe that's the culprit?  What else should I be checking?
>

Sounds more like a vacuum leak.  Check all the vacuum lines to the manifold,
the oil dipstick, the oil filler cap, and any other place where there is a
hole in the block.

Someone already suggested leaky injectors -- to elaborate, the injectors can
leak gas, so you get more fuel than expected. I think this in not likely to
be the cause of your idle problems. The injector seats can also leak, giving
you a vacuum leak.  You may be able to push the injectors back in if they
are coming out a bit and allowing vacuum to leak.  At least visually inspect
them and make sure they are all even.  If you are brave you can disconnect
and remove the cruise control, and the gas lines to the injectors, and pull
the injectors and inspect them for bad seats or plastic or rubber bits.  On
my '88 I went ahead and replaced the injectors and all the
seats/guides/o-rings/whatever.

Best,

Bernard Littau
Woodinville, WA
'88 5ktq