Idling low what to do first? 1982

[spiderman1]

I have not had to touch my engine except for the timing belt change and have enjoyed driving it while restoring the interior. Recently it started idling very low. Are there a few things I could check first before taking it to a shop. I know a little about the engine but I have a lot to learn-I have done nothing in relation to the full injection stuff yet. Any instructions would need to be super simple -I am treading new ground here with tuning stuff.

I have an 82 Spider

Thanks ,

David

[KevAndAndi]

What are the RPMs since it started idling "very low"? What were the RPMs before it started this behavior?

Assuming everything else is normal, the idle speed is set with the throttle stop screw and the idle speed screw. Is it possible either of these was moved? A sudden and dramatic drop in idle is likely to be something less simple, but let's start with the simple.

[spiderman1]

Thanks for the reply- Nothing really new-I don't have a long history with the RPM's because the dash was not working when I got the car-through the help of Kirk I chased the short down and replaced the full gauge and now I have gauges working- But it was running smoothly until about a week ago-it still drives fine, but sputters at stoplights and sometimes will cut off. The air is a little cooler now and I also have a few things electrically working now that were not before-Not sure if this matters or not but the lights that go behind the dash for seat belt light and gas sensor as well as the heater fan are now working-SO could it be an electrical pull? That might sound stupid but it is the only variable in the equation that I can think of right now.
Best I can remember though it was idling between 1000 and 1200 give or take-but not racing by any means!

Where is the Screw that you are referring to? Can it be simply adjusted?

Thanks for the help

[Kevin1]

Have you done a full tune up yet? Before changing anything else start with making sure you have good plugs, wires, distributor cap, rotor, magnetic pickup, air and fuel filters. Confirm that all grounds are clean and tight.
Might the idle have changed when you last filled the gas tank? It is the time of year when we change to winter blend fuels. That alone can make it run differently.
Increase the idle speed with the idle speed adjustment only, do not change the setting of the throttle stop. That is the wrong way to adjust idle on the fuel injected models. If a good idle can not be achieved with the idle speed screw something else is wrong with the car.

[KevAndAndi]

I'm pointing to the idle speed screw in this picture:

[spiderman1]

Thanks Kevin,
Its been 75-80 in NC but cooler at night.
I typically put the highest octane available to me in our town.

I have not actually tuned up anything because it really has been running well after the timing belt replacement- I planned on valve covers etc this winter and was waiting to do new plugs and wires then.

I appreciate the picture-I have a little car time today and will adjust the screw after I replace the speedometer cable today.

I am curious where you got your blue hoses in your pic. That is on my list of restore items and would love to find a reasonable price for them.

[KevAndAndi]

Thanks Kevin,
Its been 75-80 in NC but cooler at night.
I typically put the highest octane available to me in our town.

I have not actually tuned up anything because it really has been running well after the timing belt replacement- I planned on valve covers etc this winter and was waiting to do new plugs and wires then.

I appreciate the picture-I have a little car time today and will adjust the screw after I replace the speedometer cable today.

I am curious where you got your blue hoses in your pic. That is on my list of restore items and would love to find a reasonable price for them.

I bought the silicone hose kit from one of our vendors - I think it was Autoricambi. The kit did not include a hose for the radiator to the coolant overflow bottle, so I bought one of the appropriate size from siliconehose.com.

The aluminum throttle body heater plate came from Allison's. It really helps with burping, because it has a bleed screw on it. That, combined with the Prestone T, has meant that I've never had a problem filling the system with coolant.

[KevAndAndi]

As long as you're fiddling with the idle speed screw, go ahead and take it out and check the o-ring. (If the o-ring is not present or has shrunk, then that tends to lead to a higher idle.)

[spiderman1]

would you mind sending a pic of the engine so I can see all your hoses? I do have a T installed

[BryanHubbard]

I'm experiencing the same thing. Idling low when cool, then higher once warmed up. What did you ever figure out.