idle issue -2003 SO/5-spd

[Tomeygun]

At idle my truck has a definite lope in the idle, not harsh at all, but noticeable.



like about a 15 RPM swing, but very audible to the ear and not random, the lope is very rythmic (sp)...



It also seems to not do it when I come to a stop, but more when I sit for 10 seconds or so at idle... Could it be fuel filter??



any ideas?





one last question, with an EZ on level 3... cruising at 65 mph, what EGT could you hit if you nail it til 85 -90 mph??

My gauges are not pipe in yet, and engine feels a little funny after I had to lay the smack down on a hemi last night

 

[VStahl]

My truck has over 12000 miles and I have not had any idle irregularity. Hope you found out the problem.

 

[Prairie Dog]

Have you tried unhooking the EZ and seeing if it still does it?

 

[jcarver]

Tomeygun - I have had this same issue with my truck. I was told by the dealer it is " normal harmonics" of the engine. Baloney - it isnt normal. Even when I had them bring around a new stock unit to compare it to, which did not have this condition, they still said mine was "normal". Well, I can tell you after trying a new fuel filter (which did not help), unplugging the Edge EZ (made no difference), and trying a different brand of fuel (no change), I finally tried a bottle of power service diesel supplement. I'm on my third tank of fuel and no problems. Idle is smooth as a baby's bottom. Last tank I tried not adding the additive and in a short time it was right back to the surging idle. Poured in the p. s. additive and she smoothed right out. Give it a shot and let me know what you think. I have no idea what the additive is doing but I'm just glad it worked. Just in time to haul a couple Ford buddies up north for the weekend - gotta impress 'em with the big C...

 

[Tomeygun]

Originally posted by jcarver

Tomeygun - I have had this same issue with my truck. I was told by the dealer it is " normal harmonics" of the engine. Baloney - it isnt normal. Even when I had them bring around a new stock unit to compare it to, which did not have this condition, they still said mine was "normal". Well, I can tell you after trying a new fuel filter (which did not help), unplugging the Edge EZ (made no difference), and trying a different brand of fuel (no change), I finally tried a bottle of power service diesel supplement. I'm on my third tank of fuel and no problems. Idle is smooth as a baby's bottom. Last tank I tried not adding the additive and in a short time it was right back to the surging idle. Poured in the p. s. additive and she smoothed right out. Give it a shot and let me know what you think. I have no idea what the additive is doing but I'm just glad it worked. Just in time to haul a couple Ford buddies up north for the weekend - gotta impress 'em with the big C...

well, i will definitly try that, where can I get products like that?



but it still makes me mad that we have to do that... it makes no sense to me... and how expensive is it?

 

[dieselpilot1969]

wallyworld is the cheapest i have found

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Amalgamated it is

Power Service is "OK" stuff, if you want something good go with Stanadyne or Amalgamated. I never leave home without it (Amalgamated, that is!).



Vaughn

 

[Tomeygun]

Originally posted by jcarver

Tomeygun - I have had this same issue with my truck. I was told by the dealer it is " normal harmonics" of the engine. Baloney - it isnt normal. Even when I had them bring around a new stock unit to compare it to, which did not have this condition, they still said mine was "normal". Well, I can tell you after trying a new fuel filter (which did not help), unplugging the Edge EZ (made no difference), and trying a different brand of fuel (no change), I finally tried a bottle of power service diesel supplement. I'm on my third tank of fuel and no problems. Idle is smooth as a baby's bottom.

OK, i used this PS diesel supp last night, and I was wondering how long before yours starting idling nice?



half a tank? or 20 miles?

 

[ttreibel]

You can also try Premium Diesel if you can find it in your area. Most US diesel is junk compared to Europe's, first we make premium gas then make diesel with whats left. I personally use Amsoil diesel fuel additive and don't have a "surging" even when it's cold. The early 2003's need a co2 flash but I'm sure your dealer has checked that.

 

[jcarver]

I noticed an improvement after a 60 mile trip at highway speed. Take her out and let her rip a little and see what happens.

 

[CClayton]

I just installed an edge ez and have a

definite surging at cold idle.

Called edge and they seemed to be aware of such problem. Stated it would not harm anything. Is this true?

 

[JD SLVR 03]

Originally posted by ttreibel

first we make premium gas then make diesel with whats left.

FYI... diesel is refined before gasoline... thats one of the reasons that most of the time diesel is cheaper. It takes less to refine than gas does.



I have the lope at idle aswell. I am going try the diesel supp to see if it helps out. I think my problem is with the EZ though. It seems to go away when I unhook the EZ. I have also noticed that it is alot more noticable when it is colder out.



Do you use the supp at every fill up?

 

[Crunch]

Originally posted by tomeygun

At idle my truck has a definite lope in the idle, not harsh at all, but noticeable.



like about a 15 RPM swing, but very audible to the ear and not random, the lope is very rythmic (sp)...

As someone who has not been a fan of, or trusted "new" vehicles for the last 15+ years I have to say I was surprised by how steady my engine runs. The tach doesn't twitch at all when idling. I've commented to several friends that I have never seen an engine run so consistently smooth, even at idle--it starts and sits at 750 every time. It sure ain't what I expected in a new vehicle. Although I've only had this truck since mid-July I may have to seriously consider revising my opinion of new vehicles. Until the day I bought this truck I was a diehard advocate of classic cars and trucks, believing they had proved their longevity and were easier to maintain as an owner. Sure, there have been some quirks with the truck, but the smooth and consistent engine idle is something I noticed immediately oon taking possession, and am still impressed with it every time I fire that mother up.