LT1 Based Engine Tech 1993-1997 LT1/LT4 Engine Related

Warmed up car low idle

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Old Oct 19, 2005 | 10:12 AM
  #1  
CColtManM's Avatar
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Warmed up car low idle

After driving my car to a destination, or just around town, usually 15-20 minutes in, i notice at almost every light, stop sign, etc. my rpms really start to drop and my oil pressure is lower then initially. 75-80 percent is the oil pressure at start and at idle later on its at 40-55 percent. It drops to about 25-30 percent while i'm braking. What could be causing this?

Only once did it die out completly when i was downtown, and breaked fast, and shifted immedietly into reverse. Started right back up, but still, made me come on here and ask.
Old Oct 19, 2005 | 02:14 PM
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Re: Warmed up car low idle

My (stock) car idles around 900-1000 cold and about 500-600 once it's warmed up. How low are you talking about? My oil pressure at idle reads about 25-30psi. Driving around is usually around 50-60psi. And when it first warms up it is usually around 60psi as well even at idle.
Old Oct 19, 2005 | 02:20 PM
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Re: Warmed up car low idle

It's normal for oil pressure to drop as the oil heats up, the oil flows easier at warm temperature. Oil pressure is also afunction of RPM, so if your RPMs drop, the pressure will drop. Your Idle Air Control valve may be dirty causing your engine to struggle keeping idle properly. This part can be cleaned with a soft brush. Be gentlr and don't use solvents. The IAC is bolted to the lower passenger side of the throttlebody (lower electrical connection).
Here's a link to a photo courtesy of Shoebox:

http://shbox.com/1/iac3.jpg
Old Oct 20, 2005 | 12:35 PM
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CColtManM's Avatar
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Re: Warmed up car low idle

I agree with your about the oil without a doubt.

If so, would that also cause my RPM's to drop when i'm at idle when my car gets warmed up?
Old Oct 20, 2005 | 12:52 PM
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Re: Warmed up car low idle

See my post above about cleaning the IAC.
Old Oct 20, 2005 | 01:18 PM
  #6  
CColtManM's Avatar
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Re: Warmed up car low idle

Ah, a closer read would have saved me that question.

Any advice on how to clean that IAC sensor. I haven't messed with it yet, and don't want to mess up something.
Old Oct 20, 2005 | 02:11 PM
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Re: Warmed up car low idle

Again a closer read of my post above...use a soft brush and no solvents. Also clean the ports on the TB with Q-tips.
Old Oct 20, 2005 | 04:42 PM
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Re: Warmed up car low idle

I mean where on it do i clean? And if not solvents, what else?
Old Oct 20, 2005 | 05:14 PM
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Re: Warmed up car low idle

Before you jump to conclusions....
What is your warm Idle RPM and warm Idle Oil Pressure.
You may not even need cleaning if your within spec.

After warming up its normal to see oil pressure and rpm drop to a lower level than when you first started the car cold.
Old Oct 21, 2005 | 12:02 AM
  #10  
CColtManM's Avatar
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Re: Warmed up car low idle

But not to the point where it feels like it might die at every other light or stop sign. It did die in reverse downtown remember.
Old Oct 21, 2005 | 09:48 AM
  #11  
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Re: Warmed up car low idle

See this thread: http://web.camaross.com/forums/showthread.php?t=404878
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