engine idle problems.

[txranger14]

89 Festiva, carbd just replaced the alternator and plugs/wires/distributor. It has had a rough time idling at first. It will idle for a second and die, or just die right after letting off the gas. I gas it and get it going, after a few miles of driving, i will stop at a sign and it will die. After restarting it and running it for more miles at a constant, no stop pace, it will hold the idle, but it will range wayy up like i'm gassing down to almost dying. It dying on random yields and stop lights is going to get me killed. Any help? I've heard vacuum pumps, but don't know what to look/listen for or where they are even located. any help is appreciated.

[RhodeStiva]

FIXED (nevermind i'm an idiot.)

[FestYboy]

^ rhodes, it's an '89 CARBY.... (no VAF)

txranger14... try to keep this topic to the SAME thread (the one i replied to earlier) this will keep the information consolidated and keep others from repeating the same information or giving false information.

[txranger14]

sorry, i had posted that one with a different subject in mind. my mistake.

[FestYboy]

np, just trying to keep it simple.

[txranger14]

yes sir. i may end up just taking it to a shop. these issues sound over my head.

[txranger14]

this is it idling by itself, almost dies several times, revs up, almost dies again, and then revs up just to die totally. the video is crap quality, it doesn't knock or anything like that.

[FestYboy]

ok deffinately looking for a vaccum leak there... a vacuum gauge would confirm this. also would want to do a compression test to verify that the engine is capable of creating proper vacuum and not because of a mechanical failure.

[txranger14]

what mechanical failure would create a vacuum problem?

[Movin]

Several mechanical problems can cause low vacuum. Using a gauge to read your vacuum is a good indicator of engine health. The reading and the way the needle moves is also a good diagnostic tool. If you lack a vacuum gauge a lot of parts stores have tools to borrow.

[txranger14]

well, put it in the shop today. we will see what they say and how much they say...:cry_smile:

[txranger14]

they are saying i need a new carb for it. fully loaded carb. 400$ ON OREILLYS???

[FestYboy]

time for a Weber 32/36 swap!!!

[txranger14]

idk anything about that kind of stuff.

[Banana Bonanza]

Well you either learn to rebuild your own OEM carb (its doable though I suggest lots of pics taken before and during disassembly, its a complex setup with the bushel basket of black spaghetti) or you use the search and see how to swap to a Weber or Escort carb which in my notion is simpler, but you will probably have to make your own adapter. Or you part with $400 for an out of box off the shelf solution. Those are pretty much your options. To save $400, I would learn how to do alternatives, but for some folk, $400 isnt that much money so easier to whip out the wallet. up to you.