New here, quick question.

[Wilk84]

First off, first festiva and loving it . 93 L 5 speed. Within the last few nights, on cold starts (20 degrees and below) the car has started to get a metallic rattle within the engine compartment. It only happens after about a minute of idling on a cold start, the engine will rev up higher and stay at that constant high rpm until I take off and it has warmed up. Any common issues I should start with? I know, rather vague... Have also noticed a drop in mpg...

[dalebwilson]

welcomsign The metallic rattle is probably your hydraulic lifters. It is a common issue in Festiva's. When they are cold, gummed up and the oil drains out of them over night, they rattle. You can replace them yourself for $50 or so. Your B3 engine has a IAC valve connected to the intake that controls cold idle. It has a thermo wax valve inside that is heated up by coolant that flows through it. When the wax is heated up after the engine is warm, the thermo wax valve slowly closes reducing the intake air at engine idle speed. The idle speed is then controlled by the idle bypass screw setting in the top of the throttle body. One more common issue with Festiva idle is the dashpot actuator on the passenger side of the throttle body. These actuators have a plunger that can stick and prevent the throttle from closing. These dashpots can be cleaned and lubed externally and that sometimes helps. One last thing. Do not adjust the throttle stop screw that touches the dashpot. It is factory set and can affect your TPS sensor if tampered with.

[TominMO]

Welcome Wilk, and thanks dale. I learned a lot in just a minute.

[dalebwilson]

Thanks Tom. I am just learning day by day how to work on these cars. :woc:

[Wilk84]

Awesome, thanks for the response! I won't mess with anything yet as I know this cold weather is probably a little trying on my little smurf. Although, I will clean the dashpot. Thank you again!

[TominMO]

Awesome, thanks for the response! I won't mess with anything yet as I know this cold weather is probably a little trying on my little smurf. Although, I will clean the dashpot. Thank you again!

Where in IL are you?

[bhearts]

Awesome, thanks for the response! I won't mess with anything yet as I know this cold weather is probably a little trying on my little smurf. Although, I will clean the dashpot. Thank you again!

You'll like it here. Everyone is super friendly until you ask how much boosts your stock engine can handle, then people get a little crazy.

[TominMO]

You'll like it here. Everyone is super friendly until you ask how much boosts your stock engine can handle, then people get a little crazy.

:-) ...and whatever you do, do not ask why you only get cold air out of the dash vents....

[Team Lightning]

:-) ...and whatever you do, do not ask why you only get cold air out of the dash vents....

That's when you have the heat on... not the AC!!

[bhearts]

:-) ...and whatever you do, do not ask why you only get cold air out of the dash vents....

Heaven forbid you post pictures of motor mounts you think will work and insist everyone tries them for you.

But seriously, the festiva community is knowledgeable and open to new ideas. No one is set on any one idea to make your car the best.

[Wilk84]

TominMO, noted! I will not ask that question! It does make a noise from the front end of the car when I turn the key forward once it is in the ignition...

[Wilk84]

Serious note though... Indeed, this forum has been extremely helpful thus far! I picked the car up as a cheap, economical way to work as I lift my Jeep and enjoy driving this little thing more than I anticipated. May hit the junkyard tomorrow to see what I can find as far as upgrading a few interior aspects. Seats aren't the most comfortable for, not bad by any means though. I'm in East Central Illinois by the way... Thanks again folks!