AIR leak?
AIR leak? I was changing my plugs the other day and noticed that my AIR system is missing one bolt on the passenger side holding it to the manifold. I know this is most definitly causing a leak but what will it hurt? My car has been having a rough idle problem and at times has idled so bad it wouldnt even run below 900 rpms. Could this be the problem? I thought the AIR system is only used when the car is cold correct? If so why would the car continue to idle rough even after the AIR system is no longer needed? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 34,663
Likes: 2,596
From: Schiller Park, ILL Member: #317
Not entirely sure if that's what's causing all your idle issues, but it certianly isn't helping.
If the AIR pipe to manifold connection isn't sealed, then fresh unmetered air is entering the exhaust system ahead of the front O2 sensors. That means the O2 sensor readings will be showing leaner than they should (due to the uumetered air), thus the PCM will add fuel to bring them back in line. Problem is, the PCM is compenstaing for a leak rather than an actual lean A/F mixture, so now the motor is running overly rich. That can certainly cause some idle issues.
If the AIR pipe to manifold connection isn't sealed, then fresh unmetered air is entering the exhaust system ahead of the front O2 sensors. That means the O2 sensor readings will be showing leaner than they should (due to the uumetered air), thus the PCM will add fuel to bring them back in line. Problem is, the PCM is compenstaing for a leak rather than an actual lean A/F mixture, so now the motor is running overly rich. That can certainly cause some idle issues.
I fixed it and it seems to idle better now but not perfect. I think it may need plugs now. I think running too rich can cause plugs to mess up right? It's been this way for about 5000 miles so I think they may need changing too.
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 34,663
Likes: 2,596
From: Schiller Park, ILL Member: #317
Originally Posted by Y2K Z28
I fixed it and it seems to idle better now but not perfect. I think it may need plugs now. I think running too rich can cause plugs to mess up right? It's been this way for about 5000 miles so I think they may need changing too.
