Jump to content

Rough idle has me going crazy


Recommended Posts

1992 LWB 4.0 HO AX15/NP242

 

Ok just got my motor back from being rebuilt and installed. Double checked all the connections/vacuum hoses. Still has a rough idle. Its inconsistent and I can feel it through the steering wheel. Always most noticeable at idle but can also feel it struggling at speed. I'm going to try replacing all the sensors again but the only vacuum line that isn't connected is the one going to the heater control valve that was deleted awhile back. I'll list the replaced stuff down below but any input would be awesome
Rebuilt Motor
New copper champion spark plugs
New wires from ACCEL
New stock fuel injectors
New battery
New 63mm TB
New TB sensors (only one hasn't been changed was MAP)

New exhaust from the exhaust header back to the tailpipe (no cat)
New radiator
Fresh antifreeze/break in oil

Honestly I'm out of ideas besides trying to swap the sensors again. It hasn't backfired since I've had it back but it used to backfire out of the intake
 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Did you check for codes? If none, after changing all the sensors, TB, etc. you should clear the ECU residual memory and start from scratch.

 

 

Clearing error codes and removing residual memory

1. Disconnect the POSITIVE battery Terminal and touch it to ground for 30 seconds. (This is to discharge the PCM capacitors, which maintain the Adaptive Memory.
2. Reconnect the Battery Cable
3. Turn Ignition Switch to the "ON" position but DO NOT start the engine
4. Turn Headlight "ON"
5. Turn Headlights "OFF"
6. Turn Ignition Key "OFF"

The PCM Adaptive memory has now been flashed, or erased from the PCM.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yup no codes unfortunately and it's been reset a few times. I'm going to put a map and o2 sensor in this weekend. Always thought it was the low compression cussing the idle but even when he took the motor apart he said it wasn't nearly as bad as some of the others.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have a similar problem to you, but mine runs good at speed. I do notice a big increase in power right at 3000 rpm (4.0s aren't supposed to have VTEC!), no explanation for that one. Have you gotten a spark tester and looked at the spark? My spark is orange and kind of inconsistent, which I'm sure isn't helping. Coil and wires are in spec on mine also.

 

This weekend probably I'll be swapping to the '96 throttle body with onboard MAP sensor. I'll let everyone know if I see improvements.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Another thing you could check would be your intake/exhaust manifold bolts. Its not uncommon for them to loosen up causing different kinds of problems, doesn't cost anything either.

We just tightened them down to spec with new bolts yesterday when the motor was dropped back in.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Does this happen all the time, or just after the engine has reached its 190 degree operating temp? Computer doesn't kick in on Chrysler contolled motors until operating temp is reached. If you only have an issue after the engine is warm, look at the TPS, IAC, O2, Crankshaft and Camshaft sensors in that order.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Does this happen all the time, or just after the engine has reached its 190 degree operating temp? Computer doesn't kick in on Chrysler contolled motors until operating temp is reached. If you only have an issue after the engine is warm, look at the TPS, IAC, O2, Crankshaft and Camshaft sensors in that order.

Its all the time. I was messing with the vacuum hoses and the only sensor I haven't messed with was the MAP. Soon as I unplug it there's a noticeable change so not thinking its the cause. There's less than 200 miles on the rebuild so maybe I'm just going crazy. Just seems like the motor is surging when I'm idle. The vibration in the steering wheel is pretty noticeable too. If the doors are open they look like they're going to shake off the hinges. Motor mounts and trans mount are brand new also. 

 

I swapped in a new O2 sensor a couple days ago along with putting in a mopar TPS / IAC. Didn't make any difference even after the reset. Not sure what else it could be. Maybe just needs to settle from the rebuild but its doing the same thing that lead me into thinking it needed a rebuild to begin with. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Does this happen all the time, or just after the engine has reached its 190 degree operating temp? Computer doesn't kick in on Chrysler contolled motors until operating temp is reached. If you only have an issue after the engine is warm, look at the TPS, IAC, O2, Crankshaft and Camshaft sensors in that order.

 

Not quite true. You can watch the open-to-closed loop transition on an A/F meter in less than a minute after starting the engine - the temp gauge hasn't budged yet. This means the ECU is passing traffic. The cycle to closed loop is complete at about two minutes after starting depending on ambient temperature and the idle immediately smooths out.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It takes a good fifty miles or so of driving with several key starts along the way before the computer "learns" the new settings from  changes, like sensors, throttle body, and even battery disconnects. Mine always runs like crap at first and gradually comes back to normal. The idle is usually low, and it stalls sometimes when rolling to a stop. How much have you driven it so far after the last changes you made?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It takes a good fifty miles or so of driving with several key starts along the way before the computer "learns" the new settings from changes, like sensors, throttle body, and even battery disconnects. Mine always runs like crap at first and gradually comes back to normal. The idle is usually low, and it stalls sometimes when rolling to a stop. How much have you driven it so far after the last changes you made?

Not far since I put the sensors in. I'm taking down to the city this weekend about 130 miles round trip. It's just paranoia I'm sure since it's the same feel as it did prior to the rebuild.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yeah it hasn't gotten any better with another 200ish miles put on it. Grabbed a new CPS to throw in later after I rent a fuel pressure tester from Orielly's. If its not any of those the only other things I have been able to think of are the Camshaft sensor/Dizzy or the computer itself is shot

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Ok figured out something else. So when I first start it or come to a stop it usually idles around 700rpm smooth as can be. After a few seconds it drops to 500-550ish and starts acting up. Anyone deal with anything like that?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share

×
×
  • Create New...