C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Bad Idle IAC Issue?

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Old May 1, 2009 | 11:55 PM
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Default Bad Idle IAC Issue?

I understand that the idle on a '90 is not adjustable, correct? When the car is cold and i start it i have to give it gas to stay running or it dies and it stumbles when i try to drive. Once its warm its ok. Would this be an IAC issue? How do I know if it just needs to be cleaned or if it needs to be replaced? If i replace it do I have to do anything like flash the computer or make it recognize the new one?
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Old May 2, 2009 | 12:54 AM
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Originally Posted by Kubs
I understand that the idle on a '90 is not adjustable, correct? When the car is cold and i start it i have to give it gas to stay running or it dies and it stumbles when i try to drive. Once its warm its ok. Would this be an IAC issue? How do I know if it just needs to be cleaned or if it needs to be replaced? If i replace it do I have to do anything like flash the computer or make it recognize the new one?
Take it out and clean it. More than likely thats all it needs. Then reinstall. Use sensor safe cleaner from CRC at any Parts store. DONT move anything, pintle etc. Just clean the crap out of it.
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Old May 2, 2009 | 05:58 AM
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Originally Posted by Kubs
I understand that the idle on a '90 is not adjustable, correct? When the car is cold and i start it i have to give it gas to stay running or it dies and it stumbles when i try to drive. Once its warm its ok. Would this be an IAC issue? How do I know if it just needs to be cleaned or if it needs to be replaced? If i replace it do I have to do anything like flash the computer or make it recognize the new one?
idle rpm on all comp. controlled cars is set as target rpm vs. temp (inc. various add ons for AC etc.) in the prom. Aside from the IAC being carboned or the IAC passage, if the min. air has been readjusted, the throttle blade may be opened or closed beyond the range that ecm/IAC can compensate. For stock or near stock app. follow your FSM for re-setting min. air, and I would also remove and clean the entire throttle body.
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Old May 2, 2009 | 06:53 AM
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no trying to hijack this thread. but i'm dealing with a IAC issue on my 91. was planning on removing the TB as per what i've been told on here. my question is dealing with the coolant hoses running to it. i live in va, can i just bypass them?
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Old May 2, 2009 | 12:41 PM
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Originally Posted by vabatwho714
no trying to hijack this thread. but i'm dealing with a IAC issue on my 91. was planning on removing the TB as per what i've been told on here. my question is dealing with the coolant hoses running to it. i live in va, can i just bypass them?
Yes you can bypass them.

Thanks guys for the responses. I wil try cleaning everything first and see how that goes.
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Old May 2, 2009 | 12:41 PM
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Why L98 people have some compelling need to screw with Minimum Idle eludes me - doesn't seem to effect the LT guys, but maybe the screw is more difficult to access. Anyway, there's no reason for it get out of adjustment OR if it is, it's because someone decided it needed to be adjusted OR there's so much gunk crapping up airflow, you might as well dip the throttle body in a vat of acid.

As to your cold can't start/won't idle problem, a scan will tell you everything you need to know - is the Coolant Temp Sensor (which takes the place of a choke) accurate? If not, find out why and you'll solve your problem. Inoperative IAC motors/circuitry don't suddenly work better once the engine is warmed up.

vabatwho: I've never seen a documented performance gain by bypassing the coolant flow through the Throttle Body on a stock Vette. Nor will it miraculously cure some driveability issue. The basic IAC diagnostic test is this: Note idle rpm. Turn it off and restart it. Restart rpm should be higher but return to your noted speed within 60 seconds. If it does, there is nothing wrong with the IAC, it's circuitry or the ECM - you have some other issue.
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Old May 2, 2009 | 12:48 PM
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Originally Posted by SunCr
Why L98 people have some compelling need to screw with Minimum Idle eludes me - doesn't seem to effect the LT guys, but maybe the screw is more difficult to access. Anyway, there's no reason for it get out of adjustment OR if it is, it's because someone decided it needed to be adjusted OR there's so much gunk crapping up airflow, you might as well dip the throttle body in a vat of acid.

As to your cold can't start/won't idle problem, a scan will tell you everything you need to know - is the Coolant Temp Sensor (which takes the place of a choke) accurate? If not, find out why and you'll solve your problem. Inoperative IAC motors/circuitry don't suddenly work better once the engine is warmed up.

vabatwho: I've never seen a documented performance gain by bypassing the coolant flow through the Throttle Body on a stock Vette. Nor will it miraculously cure some driveability issue. The basic IAC diagnostic test is this: Note idle rpm. Turn it off and restart it. Restart rpm should be higher but return to your noted speed within 60 seconds. If it does, there is nothing wrong with the IAC, it's circuitry or the ECM - you have some other issue.
I just replaced the temp sensor but the code still shows up for it. I cannot get it to go away.
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Old May 2, 2009 | 02:09 PM
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Ok. New news. I just took the throttle body off and the inside is covered in oil. It appears to be coming in from the pass side vacuum port that goes to the vent on the pass valve cover. What does this mean? Is there something I have to replace?
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Old May 2, 2009 | 02:33 PM
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Originally Posted by Kubs
Ok. New news. I just took the throttle body off and the inside is covered in oil. It appears to be coming in from the pass side vacuum port that goes to the vent on the pass valve cover. What does this mean? Is there something I have to replace?
Not an L98 Expert, but I think that isa n PCV valve in the valve cover. I would replace it. Just clean the throttle body real well, and the IAC too.
Thats 4 starters/
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Old May 2, 2009 | 02:38 PM
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Originally Posted by steve40th
Not an L98 Expert, but I think that isa n PCV valve in the valve cover. I would replace it. Just clean the throttle body real well, and the IAC too.
Thats 4 starters/
I got the throttle body and IAC clean, everything was pretty dirty. When I pull the tube out of the valve cover there is nothing but a plastic elbow with the rubber hose going from it to the throttle body. I dont see any kind of PCV valve.
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Old May 2, 2009 | 02:46 PM
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Originally Posted by Kubs
I got the throttle body and IAC clean, everything was pretty dirty. When I pull the tube out of the valve cover there is nothing but a plastic elbow with the rubber hose going from it to the throttle body. I dont see any kind of PCV valve.
Wish I could help more. The LT1 tube going to valve cover, pass side, is for WOT use. Maybe you have mild blow-by and need an oil catch can to aleviate oil getting into intake.
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Old May 2, 2009 | 02:49 PM
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Originally Posted by steve40th
Wish I could help more. The LT1 tube going to valve cover, pass side, is for WOT use. Maybe you have mild blow-by and need an oil catch can to aleviate oil getting into intake.
Will it hurt anything if I just plug it for now?
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Old May 2, 2009 | 04:18 PM
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Originally Posted by SunCr
Why L98 people have some compelling need to screw with Minimum Idle eludes me - doesn't seem to effect the LT guys, but maybe the screw is more difficult to access. Anyway, there's no reason for it get out of adjustment OR if it is, it's because someone decided it needed to be adjusted OR there's so much gunk crapping up airflow, you might as well dip the throttle body in a vat of acid.
I agree, easy way to know is if the factory cap is still on the TB that covered the screw hole.
Originally Posted by Kubs
Will it hurt anything if I just plug it for now?
Do not plug it, it is part of your PCV system. If you don't like it being able to pull from the pass. side valve cover, you would need a breather on the valve cover and then you would plug the TB. (keep the PCV valve).

Last edited by mseven; May 2, 2009 at 04:23 PM.
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Old May 2, 2009 | 04:26 PM
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The hose provides clean air into the crankcase that is then pulled into the manifold, through the PCV valve on the drivers side cover. DO NOT plug the hose.
You can get a back flow at WOT, which is normal.
Pull your PVC valve and look for excess smoke or blowby if you're still concerned.
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Old May 2, 2009 | 05:10 PM
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Correct x3, do not plug it is part of PCV system.
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Old May 2, 2009 | 06:26 PM
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To address some things said the cap covering the idle screw is still on the TB. Also the car started normal and idles great. However I still have to look into the PCV valve because the oil in the TB concerns me. Thanks guys for the help.
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Old May 2, 2009 | 06:31 PM
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Replace the PCV valve.

Check your plugs while the engine is cold, say overnite, for oil wetness. You may have a leaky valve seal that is gumming them up, too. The oil will burn off when warmed up.
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Old May 2, 2009 | 08:58 PM
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Originally Posted by williammackean
Replace the PCV valve.

Check your plugs while the engine is cold, say overnite, for oil wetness. You may have a leaky valve seal that is gumming them up, too. The oil will burn off when warmed up.
It would make sense just to replace the PVC. They are pretty cheap.

As for the valve seals they were replaced less than a year ago when the cam went in.
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Old May 2, 2009 | 09:25 PM
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"I just replaced the temp sensor but the code still shows up for it. I cannot get it to go away."

What Code - a 14 or a 15? Either, if Current, means it's running on backup.
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Old May 3, 2009 | 12:44 AM
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Originally Posted by SunCr
"I just replaced the temp sensor but the code still shows up for it. I cannot get it to go away."

What Code - a 14 or a 15? Either, if Current, means it's running on backup.
It was a code 15. However I disconnected the battery for a bit then ran the car in the driveway and a code never showed up after about ten min.
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