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1998 Ford Escort idle problems

Tiny
MSPDUDE
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 FORD ESCORT
  • 14,500 MILES
I have replaced the fuel filter, the PCV valve, the air filter, the plugs, wires, cleaned the throttle body, and checked for vacum leaks. The problem is that the car idles rough - really rough when cold, but it gets better when it gets up to temp. Even then, if I let it idle for about 4 minutes, it will die. The car runs great at speed, and the engine is quite smooth.

Is there something I'm missing? I don't know what else to check.

By the way, I don't have any engine trouble codes - the light is off and I even checked with my code reader.

Thanks for the help!

TG
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Monday, October 14th, 2013 AT 8:08 AM

6 Replies

Tiny
MSPDUDE
  • MEMBER
  • 13 POSTS
Forgot to mention that I also have a new fuel pump and timing chain/belt.
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Monday, October 14th, 2013 AT 8:10 AM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,870 POSTS
How did it run before you changed the timing belt?Also how did you check for vacuum leaks?
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Monday, October 14th, 2013 AT 8:32 AM
Tiny
MSPDUDE
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It ran about the same before the timing belt change. I just inspected all the hoses/components visually. The hoses were in good condition, and the clamps seemed to be tight. I didn't actually do a test on the vacum system.

Also, I forgot to mention previously, but we checked the cam position sensor, even installed a new one, and it had no effect.

Lastly, The speed sensor is bad - it actually broke off, and I'm getting a code for that, but that hasn't functioned properly for about three years.

Thanks again!
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Monday, October 14th, 2013 AT 8:56 AM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,870 POSTS
Just looking at the hoses isn't a good way to kook for a vacuum leak. There are so many places for vacuum to leak. There are lots of ways to check for leaks I think the best way is inject smoke into the vacuum system and look for smoke escaping. They sell canned smoke haven't used it because I built a smoke machine and use that. But the canned smoke would be a alternative you would inject the smoke into the vacuum system.I like to put it into the brake booster hose coming off the intake. You would have to adapt the can to fit the hose tightly.
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Monday, October 14th, 2013 AT 9:10 AM
Tiny
MSPDUDE
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  • 13 POSTS
Ok I will give that a try after work today and let you know how it goes. Thanks!
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Monday, October 14th, 2013 AT 9:19 AM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,870 POSTS
Alright get a bright light to look for smoke let me know what you find.
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Monday, October 14th, 2013 AT 9:26 AM

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