Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) surging

[propuller]

My dad just got back from a long trip with his 97 12 valve & now when he starts it up & it is cold it wants to surge when he puts it gear. It also wants to idle a little slow. This an auto with a tight DTT converter. When it warms up its ok. Why would this just start doing this & how can i fix it. It has a #8 TST plate & the timing at 15. 5. Thanks for any & all help.



Kurt

 

[SEmerson]

A 4k gsk will often do that.

 

[JGheen]

Where does it say he is running a 4K GSK?

 

[SEmerson]

It doesn't but with his other mods I thought maybe he was.

 

[Andy Redmond]

Propuller adjust the idle up until it nears 850-900 rpm. You should be happy then. . The tachs are not dead on until about 2000 rpms on your style tach. If a DRB/Snap on scan tool etc is available, trust what it says rather than the marks on the tach...



Good luck. . Andy

 

[propuller]

Thanks Andy but after it warms up a little it idles fine. No spring kit either. Could the overflow valve be doing this?



Kurt

 

[Cooker]

I'm with Andy you need to up the idle a bit.



When the 12 valves are cold they tend to idle a little lower than when warm hence the reason you have a problem when cold but not when warm.

 

[Andy Redmond]

An overflow valve can cause this symptom, but usually white smoke and missing/sputtering then it clears up in a few seconds or minutes (when winter).



I believe the reason yours is fine once its warmed up is due to fact that the coolant has warmed the block and the the oil and engine warms, it runs smoother.



I like a higher than oem idle on a manual or an automatic. On the auto trans don't raise it so that you need both feet on the brake in drive, or where it really clunks when pulled into gear. Your lower stall converter (DTT?) can load it more now than the oem trans did at the idle speed.





Raise the idle a bit, if this doesn't solve it, post again, once of us is sure to have some free advice for another stab at your concern. Heck, it might even be correct!



Good luck

Andy

 

[Rhondasway]

As a fellow DTT owner, I'd suggest making sure he's warming it up in Neutral, at least for a minute or so (to pressurize the system) before driving. This is my understanding of how to properly use and ensure the longevity of this trans. Maybe call DTT to verify...