alexwoo

I have a 90 ford TEMPO with 170,000, manual, FWD.

The engine has rough idle. Idle speed varies a lot, from 500 rpm to 1,500 rpm. Sometimes, the engine is dead during idle (rpm is too low). I have to push the gas pedal to keep the engine alive. Whenever the engine idles, the rpm goes up and down, never stays constant.

I had this problem for a long time. It is getting worse recently.
Another problem could be related to it: during cold start, the idle speed goes lower and lower, at last the engine stops. I have to push the gas pedal several times to keep the engine running. When the engine is hot, this problem goes away.

Any idea is highly appreciated. Thank You.
Alex

bertdelusa

I have a similar problem, I think it is the injector thingy inside the injector body,(I forget what it's called) but have done "some" investigation on it, was told that the internal part wears and allows a fuel flow problem, hope this helps.....

LunaticSVT

i would look at the injectors. Have you checked your plugs and leads?

1988TempoGLS

my 1988 tempo does the same damn thing sometimes, and others it decides to work properly, why?

JOAT

first ... pull the ECU codes ....
check for stuck EGR and PCV valves ....
then carb clean the idle bypass valve (may be sticking)
and finally check the Alt / battery voltage while its happening .. low voltage = wrong position for the idle bypass valve ( idle stabalizer)