About Van Expertise I can answer most questions concerning 4X4 engine, drive line, suspension, electrical, and fuel, both diesel and gasoline.
Ford, GM, and Dodge, old and new.
Experience I have been maintaining a fleet of approximately 55 light, medium and heavy vehicles for over 20 years. Most are 4X4 pickups and off road fire fighting trucks. Some vans, wagons, sport utility, and personnel transport vehicles. Diesel and gas. Major and minor repairs due to extremely severe duty.
Expert: Van Date: 9/4/2007 Subject: 87 buick electra 3.8l eng
Question when i start my car, it doesnt rev up and settle back down to a constant smooth idle, like it used to do. It will start but barely keep an idle until it warms up. Then it will idle better but not like it should. this problem happened all of a sudden. It also happened about a year ago for about a month, then mysteriously started running fine again. and also what is an air idle control? And where is it located on my engine. I.e. what does it look like? thanx.
Answer Hi Keith,
The IAC screws into the front, or side of the throttle body.
There is a plug with two or three wires connected to it.
It is near the top of the throttle body, and can usually be cleaned from the intake, after the air cleaner hose is removed, but can easily be unscrewed. Takes about a 1 inch open end wrench, or slightly larger. it actually looks similar to what an older fuel inlet filter looked like, but without the fuel line.
Just spray it liberally with carb/PCV valve cleaner. Spray inside the throttle body also.
Another thing that will cause that type symptom is the EGR valve getting some carbon stuck under a seat.
That looks like a tripple solenoid valve, usually high on the intake manifold. It is actually a tripple solenoid valve that allows exhaust gasses to be reburned.Clean it also. See This. http://www.misterfixit.com/egrvalve.htm
