sputtering at idle
06-19-2001, 01:52 AM
#1
Cruisin'
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Join Date: May 2001
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sputtering at idle
Howdy folks,
My '81SC with 170,000 miles (original engine) is due for a 15k service (according to previous records - i've only owned the car for 3 months). I am curious about a minor idle problem that I've noticed since purchasing the car - it seems to sputter when idling (at about 800 RPM) - the sputter is worse when cold but still persists when the car is warmed up. The sputter forces the rpm to jump to around 1000 RPM - but the car seems to run fine as soon as I touch the gas. Is this likely due to the engine simply being out of tune or could it be indicative of something else (more serious)?
Thanks for your insight and help, as always!
My '81SC with 170,000 miles (original engine) is due for a 15k service (according to previous records - i've only owned the car for 3 months). I am curious about a minor idle problem that I've noticed since purchasing the car - it seems to sputter when idling (at about 800 RPM) - the sputter is worse when cold but still persists when the car is warmed up. The sputter forces the rpm to jump to around 1000 RPM - but the car seems to run fine as soon as I touch the gas. Is this likely due to the engine simply being out of tune or could it be indicative of something else (more serious)?
Thanks for your insight and help, as always!
06-21-2001, 08:41 PM
#2
Technical Specialist
Rennlist
Lifetime Member
Rennlist
Lifetime Member
Dylan,
My 81SC is happiest idling at around 950 rpm. If you want to raise your idle a bit, you'll need to turn a largish screw/slotted **** on the left hand side of the fuel injection assembly, behind the air filter. If you look in, you can see it - it's about an inch in diameter, and a little less than an arm's length in.
My 81SC is happiest idling at around 950 rpm. If you want to raise your idle a bit, you'll need to turn a largish screw/slotted **** on the left hand side of the fuel injection assembly, behind the air filter. If you look in, you can see it - it's about an inch in diameter, and a little less than an arm's length in.
06-21-2001, 09:28 PM
#3
Instructor
Dylan,
Is your O2 sensor still plugged in?
The connector (single wire) is located on the left side of the engine compartment, right near the fuel filter. You wiil likely have to remove the fresh air duct to see and get at the connector. Many SC owners pull the plug on the O2 sensor, and find their engines idle much smoother. Mine certainly runs better without it. On a CIS-equipped car, you can't hurt anything by doing this, so try it. You may have to reconnect it (temporarily) to pass a strict smog test, however.
[ 06-21-2001: Message edited by: Dial 911 ]
Is your O2 sensor still plugged in?
The connector (single wire) is located on the left side of the engine compartment, right near the fuel filter. You wiil likely have to remove the fresh air duct to see and get at the connector. Many SC owners pull the plug on the O2 sensor, and find their engines idle much smoother. Mine certainly runs better without it. On a CIS-equipped car, you can't hurt anything by doing this, so try it. You may have to reconnect it (temporarily) to pass a strict smog test, however.
[ 06-21-2001: Message edited by: Dial 911 ]
