[skss2002]

Ok, I can't figure this out, at least not yet, looking for some advice. I have a 1991 Escort GT with the 1.8L. When I bought the car, the distributer was twisted all the way counter clockwise. (towards the front of the car) It also lacked power so I loosened the distributer and moved it to about the middle of the adjustment, now it idles high, around 1500 rpm. I was reading in the Haynes manual I have and it says to set the timing at 700-800 rpm. Some days after driving it for a while, it will idle at 500-600 but its never predictable. I have already taken the throttle body off and checked the Idle Air Control Valve and Throttle Position sensor, and it didn't change anything. What else would cause this?

 

[LOWETGT]

An unmetered air leak can cause problems on these engines. THE intake tube could have a crack or leak. Don't spray near ignition parts!, but you can use some carb. cleaner spray to help find the leak. The RPMs should chance if carb. cleaner is sucked in the intake. Also check for a vacuum leak and a plugged PCV valve. Just a couple thoughts. I also suggest getting a light and setting timing correctly, you don't want to burn a hole in a piston!

 

[skss2002]

How am I supposed to set the timing correctly with the engine idling so high?

 

[skss2002]

Oh and the intake tube between the filter and the throttle body has severals cracks/holes in it, but I have it wrapped with black electrical tape and it seems pretty air tight, as far as vacuum leaks, I sprayed some brake cleaner over all the vacuum lines and the idle didn't change at all, just says high.

 

[LOWETGT]

I don't think timing should affect idle as bad as a sticky IAC, or intake or vacuum leak. The throttle cable isn't too tight or sticky? One problem at a time, figure your high idle first. Any recent changes you made or work performed? My idle shot up after intake cleaning, had crap plug port in TB.

 

[skss2002]

Cleaning the throttle body/ IAC did nothing, the throttle cable is loose, and I did not notice any change of rpm's while spraying brake cleaner on vacuum lines intake, etc. Will brake cleaner raise idle?

 

[skss2002]

Well I had no vacuum leaks, I took each vacuum line off and blocked it at the intake and the idle never changed, so I adjusted the idle screw and got the idle to normal and set the timing. All is good now

 

[silverton]

With a properly functioning IAC, the idle screw should be all the way clockwise (closed).

 

[Bomdoutscort]

You need a timing light. If you look in a haynes manual it will tell you how to set the timing back to normal. You have to jump wires at the diagnostics box.