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Srarts, runs great... won't idle

  • Thread starter Thread starter CharlesBrown
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CharlesBrown

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My 1988 C4 has only 22xxx miles on the clock and has become a money pit. Mostly "seal" related issues, how does $700 to replace the clutch master cylinder grab you? Then there's the new brake booster, but I digress. Would appreciate any thoughts regarding this latest problem. I know there are many things that could be at the root of this won't-idle problem. What might be the simplest (cheapest) thing to look at first?
 
idle

My 1988 C4 has only 22xxx miles on the clock and has become a money pit. Mostly "seal" related issues, how does $700 to replace the clutch master cylinder grab you? Then there's the new brake booster, but I digress. Would appreciate any thoughts regarding this latest problem. I know there are many things that could be at the root of this won't-idle problem. What might be the simplest (cheapest) thing to look at first?

My idle was erratic and troubleshooting drove nuts, then I replaced the injectors and she purrs like a kitten. (but I have 122000 miles, and there not cheap:w
 
First, check for vacuum leaks.

If you find none, remove and clean the TB (throttle body) throttle plates and Idle Air Control (IAC) motor pintle.

I might also replace the fuel pump and filter if you think both are original. There are many things in a Corvette's life that need changing before they go bad.

Check the oxygen sensors, TPS switch and the EGR solenoid, too. If your car starts OKAY in the morning then, stalls right afterwards, I'd highly suspect the fuel pump.

Still, the most common reason for stalling, not accompanied by hard start and or stall after starting is lack of a tune-up and throttle body cleaning.

After you remove the throttle body unit, take some Valvoline Synthetic Throttle Body Cleaner, spray it on a rag, open the throttle and while open, push the rag in and around the throttle plates.

I also like to use an old toothbrush to clean the inner housing and IAC motor real good.

You will see the dirt and carbon build-up. I'm almost 100% positive this will solve your problem. Do this once a year. It really mellows your base idle and improves throttle response, too.

PS- Don't worry about spraying the TB cleaner directly into the throttle unit. It won't damage the Throttle Position Switch (TPS). :w
 
Thanks so much. I'll get on the easy (cleaning) stuff right away. BTW isn't the MAF wire in there as well? Any problem if it gets sprayed?
 
Thanks so much. I'll get on the easy (cleaning) stuff right away. BTW isn't the MAF wire in there as well? Any problem if it gets sprayed?

The 1992-93 has a different design from the 1994-96 LT1 engines.

I've never had a problem with Valvoline Synthetic TB cleaner, but if you're concerned, you can easily remove the MAF sensor then clean it with a spray-on MAF sensor cleaner.
 

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