Idle until it stalls

GFDOOIT

MEMBER
2004 FORD TAURUS
3.0L
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
200,000 MILES

My wagon, had a bad catalytic converter, we removed it. I put a temporary pipe to test it when driving. It now has power and shifts well. But when idling it starts to gurgle and nearly shuts off. Sometimes you will hear a click and it will idle smooth for a little while then slowly begin to start gurgling down until it shuts off.

Wednesday, August 23rd, 2017 AT 10:14 AM

3 Replies

CJ MEDEVAC

MECHANIC
11,004 POSTS

See "my" first answer in this link. There are three pictures at the end of it.

https://www.2carpros.com/questions/2005-ford-escape-rough-idle-at-low-rpm

I would try the "love tap" while it is beginning to shut off, this might verify the issue (or it may not affect it at all, but still do not rule it out as a possibility).

Keep us posted.

The Medic

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Wednesday, August 23rd, 2017 AT 3:39 PM

GFDOOIT

MEMBER
5 POSTS

I did change the idle valve and no change. I did put a new Cat Converter it runs great on HWY more power and better MPG. It will idle fine for a few minutes then it will start to droop slowly until it stalls. It will start again fine then do the same thing after a few minutes. I can hear the gas spraying like someone squeezing a spray bottle and it runs accordingly.

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Thursday, September 7th, 2017 AT 6:52 AM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
54,144 POSTS

This sounds like a MAF sensor problem or a vacuum leak. If the hot wire becomes contaminated it will misread but not enough to cause a trouble code just make the engine run lean and stall. The same with a vacuum leak.

Here are a couple guides that should help us.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-mass-air-flow-sensor-maf

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-an-engine-vacuum-gauge

Please let us know what you find.

Cheers, Ken

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Friday, September 8th, 2017 AT 10:26 AM