My 88 GTA has a bad idle problem ie: It will not idle smoothly and stalls sometimes while idling, but will run fine during normal driving. I'm looking at the problem with EGR valve in mind or anything else somebody could recommend. However; the car is fouling spark plugs due to inferior quality/incorrect valve stem seals that were put into the car during a recent rebuild. The over riding question would be, could the idle problem be related to the bad stem seals? These plugs are badly covered with oil. Because I'm in Australia I really want to avoid jumping to conclusions because parts are quite expensive.

 

well at first i'd say poor idle isn't caused by valve seals, but oil coverd plugs would cause a idle problem and bad valve seals can cause oil coverd plugs. i'd change the plugs and seals. here it wouldn't cost much 20 dollars or so for seals, 10 for plugs. there i have no idea.

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ICON Motorsports

1st & 3rd
MM Black Diamond 538 F&AM

 

Yank,

Welcome aboard!

The oil on the plugs certainly isn't helping. I'm hoping that your future plans include replacement of the seals if they are leaking that badly. They can be replaced with the heads on the engine, so it might not be as major as you would imagine.

As for the idle, make sure the IAC and its air passages are clean. Check all hoses for vacuum leaks. If you suspect the EGR, you can remove the plenum and EGR valve, then clean teh valve ports, seat, and EGR passages to assure a good seal and proper operation. Make sure the PCV valve is operating and is the correct one for your engine.

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Later,
Vader
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"What a Day..."
Adobe Acrobat Reader

 

while I agree with what both ede and Vader have said, I'll shed some light on another possiblity. First, like has already been said the bad idle could very well be caused by oily plugs, or any one of the sensors mentioned above. Valvestem seals however are rarely the cause for oily plug. Does your car give off blue smoke on start up, but not during regular warmed up driving? Typically that indicates valvestem seals. If you're going to replace them get the teflon "umbrella" seals, not the cheesy o-ring type. here's the kicker, and it's a much more expensive(in ANY country) problem. Valve guides. If the valve guides are loose, you can put seals on till the cows come home, and you will ALWAYS have oily plugs. Sometimes valve guides get overlooked in rebuilds, they may have met all tolerances and whatnot, but just barely. A good machinist, or mechanic for that matter would probably change them anyway. If the valve guides weren't changed during the rebuild, I would not discount that as a possible cause for the oily plugs. I still suggest changing the valvestem seals, and hope that's the problem, but if not, valve guides.... seen this over 20 times... one being the Ragin'87. Good luck.

Anthony

 

Thanks for the response. I'll post any progress on the car this week.