High idle after replacing distributor assembly

Tiny
ANGELO327
  • MEMBER
  • 1995 CHEVROLET ASTRO
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 130,000 MILES
Engine runs smooth as glass but idles around 1,200-1,500 RPMs.
Thursday, August 5th, 2021 AT 5:44 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
SQM
  • MECHANIC
  • 6,383 POSTS
Hello,

It sounds like you might have a issue with the Idle air control valve/motor.
The IAC valve is located on the side of the throttle body (see diagram below).
When a IAC gets dirty or clogged it can affect the idle speed of the engine.
You can take it out and clean it, many times that fixes the idle issue.
If the spring on the IAC is too weak then you will just have to replace it.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-idle-air-control-valve-works
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/idle-air-control-valve-service
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-an-idle-speed-control-motor-iac

I have attached diagrams for your reference.

Please let me know of any questions.

Thank you.
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Friday, August 6th, 2021 AT 2:59 PM
Tiny
ANGELO327
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I have one question. My 73 year old eyes have difficulty seeing past all the hardware that appears to be blocking my view of the Idle air control valve. The instructions you provided say disconnect the electrical connector and remove 2 screws. Is that's it? Removing the valve is that simple? So I don't have to remove throttle linkage cables or anything else?
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Sunday, August 8th, 2021 AT 7:54 AM
Tiny
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For the Idle air control valve, all you will have to do is take off those 2 mounting bolt after you take off the connector. It will come out. But you might have to wiggle it out, as other components might be on the way.
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Sunday, August 8th, 2021 AT 9:15 AM
Tiny
ANGELO327
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  • 4 POSTS
Thank you very much for all of your help and guidance. I'd be lost without this site.

I removed the IAC Valve. Image attached. Dropping the throttle linkage was simply two bolts and necessary. The distance from tip of pintle to mounting flange is 35mm. Your instructions note for a new IAC it should be set to 28mm. The cone is pretty rusted. I've seen warnings about using cleaning with solvents. Question: What do I clean with? Gasoline? Note that is rust on the pintle cap; also, the pintle doesn't move in or rotate; although I only very softly tried to push it in or rotate it.
I'm leaning toward ordering a new one.
One final note: I never described what I had done before the issue started. I replaced all the plugs and the entire distributer assembly (old one was rusted inside); I timed the engine as instructed in the automotive manual.
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Sunday, August 8th, 2021 AT 10:03 AM
Tiny
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It can be tricky to clean out the IAC. They says not to use solvent because solvents can damage the internals. You can try gently cleaning it and see if improves the idling.
But might have to get a new one as it looks corroded.
If the distributor installed and adjusted properly then it should not increase the idle.
Let me know how it turned out or if I can help any other way.
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Sunday, August 8th, 2021 AT 2:49 PM
Tiny
ANGELO327
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Well I got impatient and cleaned it with injector cleaner spray. Used steel wool to polish the IAC tip. Got everything back together. It started up perfectly and runs smooth for the first 3-4 minutes. Idle is a bit lower RPM then the high RPM I had. I don't have a tachometer of course.
Now I have a Check Engine Light. The code I get using the flashing dashboard lights is code is '23' for the intake hot air flow sensor circuit. Whatever that is. Probably got the code by following the instructions to disconnect the battery for 10 seconds, then turn on the key for 10 seconds and then off; something like that. The code may clear itself. I cleaned the valve with spray injector cleaner. The new part will be here in a few days. I'm going to drive it around the block and see how it runs and I'll let you know. The one other thing I did when I installed the distributer was clean the EGR valve. Maybe that is a contributing factor. The EGR can really mess up how the truck runs if any carbon gets trapped in the valve. The 95 Astro is a mechanical wonder. How it ran so good for 110,000 miles is even a greater wonder; but it's the only truck that I can put my 12 foot kayak into and close the back door so it still has value. Thanks for the guidance. You and the other pros are very generous and helpful. Stay Safe.

PS: The truck is running better. The Idle seems to be adapting and the Check Engine Light went out. Perhaps I got lucky. Time will tell.
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Sunday, August 8th, 2021 AT 3:49 PM
Tiny
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It's impressive that you can put your kayak in there and still shut the door.
I would never have guessed that.

You are right about the EGR though.
Do let me know how it all turns out.
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Sunday, August 8th, 2021 AT 5:15 PM

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