1985 Chevy El Camino Bad Idle

POUNDPUPPY

MEMBER
1985 CHEVROLET EL CAMINO
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
90,000 MILES

My El Camino doesn't run properly at idle. It has the original 4.3L fuel injected 6 cyl engine. We hooked it up to a diagnostic machine, which told us it runs perfect at any range of RPMs other than idle. It said that something is causing the computer to make it run too rich. My mechanic told me to change the MAP sensor and coolant temperature sensor and to check all the vacumm lines for leaks. I found no leaks and installed the new sensors, but it didn't help. I got some advice about the charcoal cannister. I picked up a new one from a salvage yard, but it still didn't help. I don't know if it was a bad part to begin with or not. I was also told it could be that an electrical ground wasn't working. All of them I could find were working properly. I want to know if I missed something or if I am way off base.

3 Replies

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

Clean out the idle air control valve, EGR/PCV valves and throttle position sensor-

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Wednesday, May 19th, 2010 AT 3:34 PM

POUNDPUPPY

MEMBER
2 POSTS

I checked out the IAC valve, and it seemed ok. I cleaned it up and put it back in. I tested the engine and it seemed better for about 5 minutes, but went bad again when I tried to move the car. I want to know if a short in the wiring for the valve could cause a problem. Also, is it possible for the springs to go bad on it? By the way, the EGR/PCV valves are working, so that is not the problem. Please give me as many ideas as you can think of, because I am running out of ideas.