Rough idle problems.

[ttbit]

You'll KNOW when you have it fixed. Seems that people just try to avoid doing this job as I have seen a few people replace other things that didn't help and still try to work around doing the gaskets. It's not THAT bad of a job. Just take your time.

Mine started right up these last cold mornings with no shaking or idle problems, where as before it felt like the engine was going to come out of the compartment at 30 degrees. Now...the transmission on the other hand... missed a beat shifting into 2nd up a hill this morning. It grabbed and barked the tires when it did decide to do its thing. Probably scared the guy behind me.

302 and 4r70w in a couple of months or so!

 

[Firestorm]

Finally...

It did turn out to be lower/upper intake manifold gaskets.

Finished the job yesterday. I couldn't really see any damage to the gaskets themselves, nor on the gasket seats, but they were smashed flat. I could see how this would cause a lean fuel mixture.

I really appreciate you guys for helping out. This has really boosted my confidence whilst working on this type of vehicle too. I've learned alot about it in the last month or so.

Advice for all of you who are having this problem as well.. Don't be afraid of tearing your motor apart to fix this issue. It sounds daunting, and is alot of work. Once you have completed the task, I'd say you'll have the same boost of confidence that I have.

Ran it for several miles today, and I don't have a CEL. Engine is no longer missing. It really hasn't ran this good in about two years. I did change the spark plugs last weekend as well.

Good luck to you folks working with this issue still. Once again, thanks to all of you who have helped.

With highest regards..
-Nathan.