Things to check when Idle is rough - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

ELXR6Newbie · 03-18-2003, 22:28

Hello,

This is a second post about my car idling rough. I took it to a mechanic and he said it was definately a bit rough but don't worry until it gets worse.

I'm not one to wait until things get worse.. usually by that time, its amplified the problem.

Is there anything I can check/clean/replace myself? Or should I just take it to another mechanic and ask them to fix it?

Cheers!

61sg · 03-18-2003, 22:38

i take it youre talking about a EL XR6? well they do seem to have a bit rougher idle than the standard 4.0 but things to check are as follows;
plug gap XR6s have a different plug gap to normal
plug condition
fuel quality
plug leads
head gasket(tk test)

is it all the time or just when cold or hot?

dcliff1 · 03-19-2003, 01:40

According to reciepts (I just bought my car). My car was serviced 1 thousand kms ago (80,000kms) and its idling rought. Thats a bit wierd its idling rough after a major service.

I only use Optimax and BP Ultimate in my car, nothing else.

My car idles rough all the time, i'm trying to think if its more noticable hot or cold but I'd have to say the difference isn't noticable, it's about the same.

Pretty strange eh??

What type of car do you have?

rabbi · 03-19-2003, 06:21

my ef ghia idles rough too, I did my leads and plugs and may have too get the dizzy cap checked out next. it also seems a bit sluggish

YOOT · 03-19-2003, 13:50

My mates EL Fairmont is a tad rough at idle. He had the leads replaced and it smoothed out but its still there.

Compared to my ED, its like it has a cam in it. You wouldn't know my ED was running except for the tacho says 625rpm.

XCHASR · 03-19-2003, 16:38

complements of www.fordmods.com

The Idle Speed Controller Valve, or otherwise known as the Idle Air Bypass System, is responsible for maintaining a smooth, and consistent idle, under different Engine Loads, and temperatures.
It does this by allowing a certain amount of air, to bypass the Throttle Body Butterfly, thereby increasing the amount of air entering the engine, under certain conditions, thereby increasing Engine RPM.

have a look at
http://www.fordmods.com/body.php?p=Commonproblems
and go down to idle speed controller, my car used 2 idle rough untill i done this now its fine.

hope this helps yas

61sg · 03-19-2003, 18:39

depends what you call rough idle is it actually missing or just a slight shimmy? my EL XR has a slightly rough idle when comparred with other standered 4.0 but that is pretty normal.

rabbi · 03-20-2003, 06:51

mine is more as missfire, dont the isc's only control cold idle? mine does it when its warm ??? i my tacho doesnt change when it does it either. strange one huh ?

ELXR6Newbie · 03-25-2003, 00:59

Hey, Sorry I took so long to reply.

It is actually more of a "shimmy", the engine actually doesn't miss.. it justs shakes. I noticed when I turn the engine over, for a brief second (while its at 1000rpms) it doesn't shake as much, then it goes to about 600rpm and its shakes harder. Enough to see the gearknob (manual) vibrate a bit and the aerial actually moves if you look hard enough.

You can feel the whole car vibrating slightly when your just idling.

I shouldn't be concerned??

Its a shake more than anything else. Maybe I have a 351 Shaker :) Now if I only have a scoop in my bonnet...... :)

rabbi · 03-25-2003, 17:24

im sure someone in here must be able to help, cmon guys, please