Won't stay running

[98sport4X4]

I have a 1998 Sport 4x4 V-6 SOHC. Couple weeks ago I go to start the truck, it fires, but dies right away. On the third try I give it a little gas and it fires right up. Happens a couple times over the next two weeks. This morning I get in to come to work and not only will it not start without giving it a little gas, it won't stay running for 30 seconds or so, then the revs pick up, I let off the gas and it's fine. Jump in to go to lunch today it and won't stay running at all without my foot on the gas. I limp it home, it runs fine as long as I keep my foot on the pedal and keep it at about 1,000 rpm. I have to admit I've had the truck for a while, put a battery, belt, air filter, oil change, pcv, when I brought it home. But haven't gotten around to even looking under the hood since. My first step will be a fuel filter, but any advice will be more than welcome.

 

[marragtop]

Could be a vacuum leak. Check all the connections on the vacuum tree on the drivers side near the firewall.

 

[dmac0923]

you check/clean your IAC valve?

 

[Driveway2fast]

both A and B above. Most common faults are Vac lines or IAC.

 

[alohamonte]

I had a similar situation, I stalled out at a red light the other day. Turns out a vac hose popped off. I used some zip ties and secured it in place.

My idle now/still has a minor surge. I wonder if yours surges before it dies out. Mine seems to have a 1-2 minute cycle of 700rpm, jumping to 900rpm, falling to 500rpm (slight fluttering but hastest stalled since the vac line was fixed) then repeats.

I'm going to use some carb cleaner while the engine is idling to see if there is another vac leak... next step will be to remove and clean the IAC. Last resort will be to replace it outright, it's about $60 at Autozone.

 

[zonianbrat]

No CEL light I take it?

 

[alohamonte]

I cleaned the IAC with a electric contact cleaner, and the idle has been restored.

This is likely a temporary fix and I expect the IAC to crap out again.

 

[Explorer914]

Ive been having the same problem on my 95, all i did was raise the idle a little with the screw on the throtle. it works for a while then im guessing it goes back to normal cause the stalling just happened to me last nite. and its been a few months..