Super inconsistent idle all of a sudden (vid)

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silence2-38554
In Neutral
Posts: 35
Joined: Sat May 01, 2010 8:01 am

Super inconsistent idle all of a sudden (vid)

Post by silence2-38554 »

Hey everyone, over the weekend my girlfriend & I removed, cleaned (thoroughly) and reinstalled her IACV ('90 auto Legacy L). We replaced the oem stamped metal gasket with a rubber fiber gasket (traced & cut out ourselves from a larger sheet). Our initial goal was to try to get the car's idle more consistent, and it seemed to work for the most part. We're also trying to make the idle smoother, as it is extremely rough. Through researching here on the forum, we noticed that the knock sensor has 3 small cracks in it & plan on replacing it asap. Thing is, all day yesterday, since cleaning the IACV, the idle has, at the very least, been consistent. Today, all of a sudden, the idle will shoot up to 1800 rpm, then drop very low, as if to bog & die, but manages to barely hold on only to shoot back up to 1800. Check out the video link here:

http://gallery.me.com/kristopheryates/100114

Keep in mind that the accelerator isn't being touched at all during the video. Does this seem like a vacuum leak? What's more annoying is that it doesn't do this all the time, either. It will idle just fine for 5-10 minutes, then start doing the rev/bog dance again. What should I be looking for other than a vacuum leak? Is it possible that this is also related to the bunk knock sensor?
stipro
Third Gear
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Joined: Mon Apr 26, 2004 4:20 am
Location: Calgary, Canada

Re: Super inconsistent idle all of a sudden (vid)

Post by stipro »

TPS??
1994 ABM Sport Sedan-Not stock
1990 L series/turbo-Rally project
Jessekrs123
First Gear
Posts: 223
Joined: Tue Aug 03, 2010 4:18 am
Location: Oakville Connecticut

Re: Super inconsistent idle all of a sudden (vid)

Post by Jessekrs123 »

If you have not figured this problem out yet, the knock sensor would be your first step. It is weird how it is idling like that with no CEL relating the TPS, or IACV so it is possible that it is something that has nothing to do with any sensor. My car did this for a while, but I got the code for the IACV, I replaced it and it still happened. My problem was a bad ECU ground, but I grounded that and now it runs mintly. I would check electrical connections, vacuum leaks, and grounds in the engine bay, make sure they are not extremely corroded or loose.
2015 Subaru BRZ
1993 Subaru Legacy Sedan 5 Speed FWD Green (EG33 swap in progress)
1984 Subaru BRAT Tan
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