Please help-Starts, won't idle or run right..

[Micks87]

I blew my head gasket 8 months ago. After dealing with that, and replacing a cam due to wasting a lobe, I finally got it up and running. I broke the new cam in and everything seemed fine. I drove it about a mile the next day and everything seemed normal. Two day later it wouldn't idle and stumbled and stalled when I drove it. Internally it sounds fine (valve train) and there are no fluids mixing (water/oil). This is what I've tried so far:

Tried Adusting IAC - It will not come down within specs, but I can't keep the RPMs at idle to set it right.

Checked for vacumm leaks.

Swapped ECMs and chips - I have 2 ECM. Could something have fried both?

Replaced a MAT sensor - I've had a code 23 for years and never had any problems with it. I replaced the sensor anyway and the code will not clear/stay cleared. NO OTHER CODES PRESENT..

Replaced O2 sensor.

In addition, something is draining my battery in a 24 hour period.

Any thoughts or ideas??

 

[Quick6'n'-K.C.]

perhaps the MAF gave up the ghost?

unplug the maf, and take the uppipe off and see if it idles ok-

 

[gr8regal]

maf

Same question I feel like i'm chasing ghosts. Well the maf from a 84 screw up the running if I have a 87 ecm? That is one thing i have not changed or checked.
Difficult to start, runs like crap. thats a direction i havn't thought about, any other. Should I change the maf with a 87?

 

[HellOnWheels]

On my 87, I ran a MAF off an 84 turbo Riv...it worked but ran pig rich.

HellOnWheels

 

[Micks87]

I can get it to idle OK with the MAF and up pipe off. Bit I can't get the IAC right (it will not go lower than 91 - should be below 45). It also seems that the Idle Air Control (IAC) Motor makes alot of adjustments.??

The MAF is not sending a code. When it went bad 5 years ago, I could tapped it and the idle would change. It doesn't do that now. Should I consider a MAF conversion?

Thanx

 

[Micks87]

Another thing that is weird. The fan does not come on until after 200 degrees. I have a 160 termostat, a 4 row radiator, and my car never ran more than 175...???

 

[Quick6'n'-K.C.]

Originally posted by Micks87
I can get it to idle OK with the MAF and up pipe off. Bit I can't get the IAC right (it will not go lower than 91 - should be below 45). It also seems that the Idle Air Control (IAC) Motor makes alot of adjustments.??

The MAF is not sending a code. When it went bad 5 years ago, I could tapped it and the idle would change. It doesn't do that now. Should I consider a MAF conversion?

Thanx

you say it idles OK- as in normal?

i suggest trying to borrow a known good MAF from a fellow turbo buick guy to solve your idle problems-

last time my MAF went out going down the road, it ran like crap-
so i unplugged it and took off the uppipe and then the idle was fine and it ran great, that is how i made sure that the MAF was bad-


then try to set the iac with the good MAF sensor-

as for your fans not coming on till 200 degrees, the fan turn on should be set in the chip-
do you have access to directscan or turbolink to check actual engine temp and fan turn on ?

 

[Micks87]

Yes it idles pretty good without it. I think you're right, it is a bad MAF. I'll try to borrow one to confirm that. I can't find a stock replacement, any sugestions?

I use a OTC. It's not perfect but it works. Maybe the low fan relay is bad.

I found the battery drain. It was my amp.

Thanks,

 

[Quick6'n'-K.C.]

Originally posted by Micks87
Yes it idles pretty good without it. I think you're right, it is a bad MAF. I'll try to borrow one to confirm that. I can't find a stock replacement, any sugestions?

I use a OTC. It's not perfect but it works. Maybe the low fan relay is bad.

I found the battery drain. It was my amp.

Thanks,

Then get the LT1 OR LS1 MAF translator-

it will allow you to run the V8 MAF and they can be had fairly cheap-
this way in the future, you wont be looking all over for a MAF-

are you checking the IAC numbers when the car is warmed up and in gear at idle?
hmmmm i think 15-30
check on www.gnttype.org

HTH

 

[Intercooler]

Did the MAF fix it?

 

[Micks87]

Yes, it fixed it. I got a rebuilt MAF (don't remember from where) and it did the trick. Thanks for everyones help.

 

[Intercooler]

That's good! Most of these seem to be MAF. Still searching for the one individual that says...yes, the IAC fixed it! Truth be know though I don't think that goes often.

 

[Quick6'n'-K.C.]

Originally posted by Micks87
Yes, it fixed it. I got a rebuilt MAF (don't remember from where) and it did the trick. Thanks for everyones help.

sweet-
i finally fixed one!!!

just kiddin- glad it is up and running Mick Cathey

enjoy....