Idle as of last night began surging. And will die out while at a stop light. Before my rpm gauge was going nuts and it wasn't surging. Now it's surging. And it drives amazing with full power even while cruising And I am completely drawing blanks. It has all new vacuum lines. Absolutely no vacuum leaks. New egr valve. All new throttle body gaskets, new fuel pressure regulator, new iac, new distributor, new pcv valve, idle issue first arrived after I replaced the distributor. But disappeared.It couldn't be that base timing and advanced timing are fighting one another are they? Or defective ignition control module, and that came brand new on the distributor. I don't think it's timing is off because it's driving so Amazing and has full power. It's advanced right before the point where it gets that distributor rattle. Any information would greatly point me in the right direction. I know I have posted things in the past, of similar issues, but this is 2 days out of storage and wanting full attention. Well any information will help.

 

What is the fuel psi? and do check the base timing.

 

Well, if the problem started when you put in the new distributor..... that's probably the problem.

Before you go ripping it out, though, check all the wiring near it. You might find a wire rubbed raw against something and intermittently grounding out. Or a wire hanging onto it's terminal by it's fingernails. When you replaced the distributor you also moved the wires around, which can cause problems if something was already on the verge of getting flaky anyway. These cars are 25+ years old now, please remember.

 

Ok, I will check all the wires. Now because I had to read the process. Refresh my memory. Plus I'd trust you guys rather then some other of the other people online. So I'm going to retime my car. So car off unplug est connector. Loosen distributor hold down.Start car Set base timing to 0. Then tighten Holdown slightly, so the distributor can barely move. Then plug est connector in. And advance timing to whatever the car loves. In my car right before distributor rattle. Then tighten Holdown test drive. I'm hoping the guy on google was wrong. Because this has been an ongoing thing.Then idle should be ok I'm hoping. I can always adjust my idle screw. Does all this sound good?

 

THe fuel psi, I don't know I know it should be between 7 and 11 psi correct. I knew how to check it on a tpi car. But where in the world would I test it on tbi. And base timing I think could be the issue, but this is a route that does need to be checked. Your always so helpful tony. I really should have sold you my old black formula. You were the only one who saw its value.The one that ended up going to the junkyard because it was rotted or compeltly.

 

Ok gentlemen, problem has been fixed. All the spark plug wires were not burned or damaged. All of the wires going to the distributor were clean and not corroded or damaged It was the timing I set base timing to spec. Well a little higher. And the idle doesn't spike it's running smooth at 700 rpm. So problem solved. You guy seriously are always so helpful.

 

Glad you got it squared away and I would of liked to have the car!

 

I drove it to the junkyard 11/14. Was a sad day. The picture was the guy about to drive it to the back. But if it was able to help more f bodys stay on the road i would say it was worth it. It transported me from 2006-2014 and would of continued but there wasnt any metal left.