1997 Ford Aspire Irregular Idle, Help

[mexaspire]

Hi guys!

On another post I told you about how I replaced my brake booster because it was causing some weird idle-related issues. Replacing it did not fix the issues and pumping the brakes repeatedly does lower the idle considerably but I rarely pump the brakes repeatedly....

I recently replaced spark plugs, wires, rotor and cap. Replaced air filter. Cleaned throttle body. Replaced O2 sensors. Checked motor mounts. And engine still idles weird, runs extremely well at high rpms but is somewhat sluggish in the lower end. I also checked vacuum hoses and sprayed carb cleaner all over to check for leaks. Nothing.

Turning the AC on or off does little to change the idle.

I am now thinking it is a component of the fuel system but before I start diving into it, I wanted to know if there is a common fault to the 1.3 that causes this idle issue.
Is there something I am overlooking or not looking at?

[WmWatt]

Do you know your idle rmp's?

[harpon]

My guess is still cloggy injectors, then maybe weak or failing fuel pump system. On a general note, having just a little bit experience with both cars- 88 carby, 96Aspire daily driver since '03, and fussy '91 with fuel non-starting problems "I hope to get to soon"- I think the Aspire did advance the fuel pump relay and electronics past the early days of Fuel-injected Festys '89 1/2 - '94. NO fusible link block for instance, but a better covered box of cartridge fuses.

I've had good luck with the '96, but always thought it might not be as reliable as the 88 carby. The '91 at this point isn't.

How about the MAF vane? Have you looked into that?

[mexaspire]

The car idles fine but there is an intermittent vibration that comes and goes. Doesn't idle high or low, and turning on the AC doesn't really affect the idle. Maybe I will take a video and post it so you guys can see what I'm talking about.

I have been adding a little bit of fuel additive to try and see if it will take care of whatever is clogging injectors, if that is the case.

I just don't want to start replacing parts if I don't have to but if the fuel pump or injectors don't really fail then it is probably some sort of clog or the MAF.

I ordered a new MAF sensor which should be here in a few weeks, I cleaned out the one I have on there already, wasn't really dirty that I could tell.