Is this normal?

[huskyfan23]

When my X isn't warmed up, it idles roughly and sometimes does a couple shakes. When it's warmed up it runs a lot more smoothly, is this normal for a cold start?

 

[mridings]

No.. It isnt

But you knew that.

There are lots of threads here if you search for them (I'll tell you before a mod does.)

Free Things to try - details all over this site

Clean MAF sensors (easy) carb or electronic parts cleaner
Idle Cold Air Control (easy) Carb cleaner
Throttle Body - carb cleaner

Cheap things to try
Air Filter (easy)
PCV Valve (easy)
EGR Valve (not so easy)
Spark plugs and wires (easy)

I did them all to my '97, which wasnt running badly, but they all looked like they were needed as they evidenced dirt/crud/ signs of age, and it is running great

 

[EliteConcept]

i'd bet its your idel cold air control, i cleaned mine once for the first tiem, and it was sooo dirty it too scraping to get the crud off and i still didnt' get it 100% clean

 

[huskyfan23]

Well before this message was posted, I've changed PCV valve, Plugs + Wires, Cleaned MAF, and Cleaned IAC Valve. I guess what's next is a new EGR Valve? Anything after that?

 

[mridings]

manifold gaskets

seems to be a common issue as well, but I would expect crappy performance all the time if they were leaky... Now, I am starting to reach the limit of my expertise, but I am sure you'll get suggestions here that will lead to positive results. Good Luck.

 

[huskyfan23]

Also forgot to add that I have new o2 sensors, haven't checked lower intake manifold bolts, and haven't changed fuel filter. Is it a good idea to change the filter, especially since it's OLD and I switch to 92 octane a week ago?

 

[mridings]

just my 2 cents

Sure why not change a fuel filter if its old? I dont think it will fix this problem... I just noticed on your signature you have a hypertech chip. I would pull the chip, reset the computer, and see the next morning if it were different... Have you tried that?

 

[huskyfan23]

Yes I tried it, didn't seem to stop anything, but I ordered an Apten that should come probably tomorrow, just to make sure my Hypertech is even working, but I use the higher octane gas and don't get any pinging, so the Hypertech must be working, partly at least.

 

[diablo5969]

Mine was just having a very similar problem, and I tried all that stuff, IAC, filter, etc. Eventually I gave up and went to a Ford dealership. The guy popped the hood, looked around for a couple seconds, and said "Look, one of your vacuum lines has come unplugged." He plugged it back in, and there was an immediate, visible difference in how well it was running. Might as well check the vacuum lines

 

[mridings]

I almost suggested this...

from the airbox there is a vacuum line on a "T" connector that the line runs down near the block to pre-heat the air when cold... some kind of bi-valve door that opens when cold... There are other posts regarding it, runs ****ty if the lines get reversed.

 

[huskyfan23]

Well there were 2 tubes connected to my air box when I took it out, 1 wasn't connected to anything but the box, the other one was connected to the box and also somewhere else, I never followed it. I plugged that tube up, I've seen posts saying it's there for quicker warm-ups, if this is what you're talking about.

 

[diablo5969]

I think that's the one mridings was talking about, but the one in my case was in the rear left (drivers side) of the engine compartment, just a little vacuum hose. I'm guessing those suckers just run all over the place under there