Will it ever end? Not looking good! Options

[customstarr]

My car still idles like pure crap. Very inconsistent - high to low surging, super low, rich... you name it, this car's idle is ALL OVER THE PLACE. It's never the same condition. The car runs like a raped ape and goes good, but the idle sux complete ass. I used to be able to get some idle adjustment at the TB screw (I don't have the ECM screw), but today I set the fuel pressure correctly (was at 42 PSI) and now I have no control over the idle mix/speed. Maybe someone in the past tried to cover the problem by cranking up the fuel pressure. I'm not seeing the super rich condition now, but like I said... no control.

I've been through everything: replaced/fixed wiring, new ignition system, battery, cables, checked all the standard fare + what I've listed below, etc. This is getting ridiculous.


What I've replaced thus far:

1. Ignition: Coil, Cap, Rotor, Points, Condenser, Plugs, Wires (all Bosch except plugs).
2. Fuel/D-Jet: TS1, Fuel Filter, Vacuum Lines.

What I've checked, adjusted to spec, or tested to be good:

1. Ignition: Points, Timing, Trigger Points.
2. Fuel/D-Jet: MPS, TS2, Fuel Pressure Reg, Cold Start Valve, Aux Air Reg, Injectors, Fuel Lines, Fuel Pump, Throttle Body, Throttle Switch.
3. Engine: Timing, Compression, Valves.

[Twise]

I had this problem with my 1.8 litre - I was told by Martin Christensen at All German Auto that a part (a valve) was no longer available that would get the idle back into whack. My car would not idle until it got real warm, and sometimes not even then. You could call Martin or Auto Atlanta - This is a well known problem, or that is what I was led to believe. 760-739-4626 or http://www.allgermanauto.com/index.php

Good Luck...

[customstarr]

I had this problem with my 1.8 litre - I was told by Martin Christensen at All German Auto that a part (a valve) was no longer available that would get the idle back into whack. My car would not idle until it got real warm, and sometimes not even then. You could call Martin or Auto Atlanta - This is a well known problem, or that is what I was led to believe. 760-739-4626 or http://www.allgermanauto.com/index.php

Good Luck...

Thanks for the info. Not aware of a valve, but i'll look into it.

[Bartlett 914]

I had this problem with my 1.8 litre - I was told by Martin Christensen at All German Auto that a part (a valve) was no longer available that would get the idle back into whack. My car would not idle until it got real warm, and sometimes not even then. You could call Martin or Auto Atlanta - This is a well known problem, or that is what I was led to believe. 760-739-4626 or http://www.allgermanauto.com/index.php

Good Luck...

Thanks for the info. Not aware of a valve, but i'll look into it.

I had leaks in my intake plenum. This can also cause Idle problems. TS2, is this the CHT (cylinder head temperature sensor). The CHT is on the head near cylinder 3. Did you check this?. If not, a pot can be substituted as a testing device. Should be a low value when warm. 100 to 200 ohms IIRC. There is a difference in these between 73 and 74. Maybe it is intermittent or loose. Also make sure that the engine ground connection is good. There are also ground connectors on the top of the motor. Make sure all is clean and tight.

Lots of luck