What makes my car start with rough idle at first?

Tiny
BARRY724
  • MEMBER
  • 1988 CHEVROLET BERETTA
  • 240,000 MILES
After car has been sitting for more than an hour or two it cranks with a rough idle then smooths out normally. It does not miss thru driving and runs good overall.I had new plugs and wires and ignition control module put in 6 months ago.I do not hear any vacuum leaks. Maybe a new air filter will help or may go get some bosch plus 4 plugs to see if it helps. Will a diagnostic check show anything?
Sunday, April 15th, 2012 AT 8:22 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Not on an 88. Obd 1 is a very limited system for codes.

Do you use any oil or coolant? I am thinking that maybe a plug or 2 gets coolant or oil on it and it misses till the cylinder heats up.

Roy
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, April 15th, 2012 AT 8:25 PM
Tiny
BARRY724
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
Yes I use oil and coolant and do not have significant leaks but may take plugs out and clean or replace them.I did notice the top of a plug or two are black don't know if they are supposed to be I assume they should be silver I just noticed when taking plug wire off. My mechanic suggested I take brake cleaner and clean mass airflow where it connects to engine?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, April 15th, 2012 AT 10:10 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Nope, mass air flow will not do it. I do not believe in cleaning a mass air flow. The carbon is burned on to the tip and cannot be cleaned off with any type of cleaner.

Roy
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, April 16th, 2012 AT 12:31 AM
Tiny
BARRY724
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
I think new plugs will help.I see what you are saying about coolant and oil ASEMaster6371.I think it probably is in the ignition maybe but I am only guessing. Since I had a new ignition control module put in I am discounting this but it could be bad.I do have a warranty on this for 1 year. So I may get the same place to check it out but there is no "check engine " light coming on but can they tell me if they hook it up to the computer.I think I will try new plugs 1st.I have maintained this car for years and runs great so I will keep on digging.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, April 16th, 2012 AT 12:38 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
I dont believe they do free code checks on obd 1 systems. It is a completely different system.

Try the plugs and see.

Roy
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, April 16th, 2012 AT 12:39 AM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Sponsored links