Strange warm-up behavior

classic Classic list List threaded Threaded
9 messages Options
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Strange warm-up behavior

BullnoseLuvr
So I've got all my engine sensors and controls and the EEC replaced or working (except for the Thermactor system -- coming).  The engine harness was crumbling in my hands so I pulled it out and rebuilt it.

On cold start the choke works, closing on a pump-and-a-half before start and opening slowly and fully on warm up and the vacuum exhaust/intake manifold heat valve closes.  Cold idle to warm idle seems to work too.  But, after just under 60 seconds after start the engine suddenly falls down under 500 hundred RPM and stumbles for a few seconds.  It recovers and the exhaust heat valve opens and everything is fine.

I plan to go through all the factory troubleshooting steps soon, but I'm curious if anyone has seen this and if there's a simple and common explanation.

If the EGR valve opens on cold idle (I think) it can really wreck the idle.  So maybe this is the problem?  One of the VCV's?  I think I replaced both of them, though it's been a while.

Mark
‘84 F150 4x4 351W 4sp. Regular cab, long bed, all original. '69 Continental MK III. Older restoration. '95 Saab 900S Convertible. '05 Saab 9-3 ARC Convertible 2.0T. Lime Yellow. '09 Saab 9-3 AERO Convertible 2.8T. Sand Beige top. '13 MINI Cooper Factory JCW 6sp. '01 H-D Sportster. '03 Yamaha FZ-1.
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Strange warm-up behavior

FuzzFace2
Easy enough to test, pull the vacuum line to the EGR and plug it and see if it stumbles.
Dave ----
Dave G.
81 F100 flare side 300 six / AA OD / NP435 / 2.75 gear
http://cars.grantskingdom1.com/index.php/1980-Ford-F100?page=1
81 F100 style side 300 six/SROD parts truck -RIP
http://cars.grantskingdom1.com/index.php/1981-Ford-F100
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Strange warm-up behavior

Gary Lewis
Administrator
In reply to this post by BullnoseLuvr
It sounds like it is computer-controlled as I'm assuming you aren't moving the throttle during that time.  Given that the fast idle shouldn't be coming off and dropping the idle as it isn't supposed to come off until you open the throttle slightly.

But I'm not up on what all the computer does with its vacuum valves.  Perhaps the diagnostic procedure will tell, but if not can you put your hands on some of the vacuum valves and tell if any open at just the right time to cause that?
Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

Dad's: '81 F150 Ranger XLT 4x4: Down for restomod: Full-roller "stroked 351M" w/Trick Flow heads & intake, EEC-V SEFI/E4OD/3.50 gears w/Kevlar clutches
Blue: 2015 F150 Platinum 4x4 SuperCrew wearing Blue Jeans & sporting a 3.5L EB & Max Tow
Big Blue: 1985 F250HD 4x4: 460/ZF5/3.55's, D60 w/Ox locker & 10.25 Sterling/Trutrac, Blue Top & Borgeson, & EEC-V MAF/SEFI

Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Strange warm-up behavior

BullnoseLuvr
In reply to this post by FuzzFace2
I think the EGR is the likely culprit and I'm going to try that.  I tried it again tonight and it was a bit cooler out.  It took longer to get to the stumble (but of course I didn't time it this time) so it's probably temperature related and it took longer to get there because it was cooler.  If it turns out it is the EGR, which has a new position sensor on it and I assume it is working right, then it's probably opening too soon.  Some of the emissions controls are time related from start, so maybe if there is a timer element in addition to temperature to the EGR valve opening (which I think there is) maybe it's fubar. If defeating the EGR fixes the problem then I'll do a full diagnostic.

Mark
‘84 F150 4x4 351W 4sp. Regular cab, long bed, all original. '69 Continental MK III. Older restoration. '95 Saab 900S Convertible. '05 Saab 9-3 ARC Convertible 2.0T. Lime Yellow. '09 Saab 9-3 AERO Convertible 2.8T. Sand Beige top. '13 MINI Cooper Factory JCW 6sp. '01 H-D Sportster. '03 Yamaha FZ-1.
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Strange warm-up behavior

BullnoseLuvr
In reply to this post by Gary Lewis
Correct.  I'm not touching the throttle before the stumble for that reason -- to leave it on the cold start fast-idle notch.

I tested the VCV's a few years ago and replaced one and I hope one hasn't failed since but I'll double check.


Mark
‘84 F150 4x4 351W 4sp. Regular cab, long bed, all original. '69 Continental MK III. Older restoration. '95 Saab 900S Convertible. '05 Saab 9-3 ARC Convertible 2.0T. Lime Yellow. '09 Saab 9-3 AERO Convertible 2.8T. Sand Beige top. '13 MINI Cooper Factory JCW 6sp. '01 H-D Sportster. '03 Yamaha FZ-1.
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Strange warm-up behavior

BullnoseLuvr
I disconnected the EGR and there's no stumble.  The heat riser valve still opens after what would be the moment the EGR kicks in.  I'm pretty sure the EGR isn't supposed to ever open during idle.  It appears this one opens for just about 5 seconds and closes again.
‘84 F150 4x4 351W 4sp. Regular cab, long bed, all original. '69 Continental MK III. Older restoration. '95 Saab 900S Convertible. '05 Saab 9-3 ARC Convertible 2.0T. Lime Yellow. '09 Saab 9-3 AERO Convertible 2.8T. Sand Beige top. '13 MINI Cooper Factory JCW 6sp. '01 H-D Sportster. '03 Yamaha FZ-1.
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Strange warm-up behavior

FuzzFace2
BullnoseLuvr wrote
I disconnected the EGR and there's no stumble.  The heat riser valve still opens after what would be the moment the EGR kicks in.  I'm pretty sure the EGR isn't supposed to ever open during idle.  It appears this one opens for just about 5 seconds and closes again.
Well there you go you now know where you have to look deeper into for a fix.
Dave ----
Dave G.
81 F100 flare side 300 six / AA OD / NP435 / 2.75 gear
http://cars.grantskingdom1.com/index.php/1980-Ford-F100?page=1
81 F100 style side 300 six/SROD parts truck -RIP
http://cars.grantskingdom1.com/index.php/1981-Ford-F100
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Strange warm-up behavior

Gary Lewis
Administrator
In reply to this post by BullnoseLuvr
I agree - you shouldn't have EGR at idle.  Only at cruise with high vacuum.
Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

Dad's: '81 F150 Ranger XLT 4x4: Down for restomod: Full-roller "stroked 351M" w/Trick Flow heads & intake, EEC-V SEFI/E4OD/3.50 gears w/Kevlar clutches
Blue: 2015 F150 Platinum 4x4 SuperCrew wearing Blue Jeans & sporting a 3.5L EB & Max Tow
Big Blue: 1985 F250HD 4x4: 460/ZF5/3.55's, D60 w/Ox locker & 10.25 Sterling/Trutrac, Blue Top & Borgeson, & EEC-V MAF/SEFI

Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Strange warm-up behavior

BullnoseLuvr
If I remember correctly (and I'll look it up).  The amount of vacuum doesn't matter on the EEC-IV  system --  the EGR valve is controlled by a VCV and the computer.  On earlier systems there was what I think is a feedback system or something like that, which was dependent on the level of vacuum for proper operation.  Sort of.

Mark
‘84 F150 4x4 351W 4sp. Regular cab, long bed, all original. '69 Continental MK III. Older restoration. '95 Saab 900S Convertible. '05 Saab 9-3 ARC Convertible 2.0T. Lime Yellow. '09 Saab 9-3 AERO Convertible 2.8T. Sand Beige top. '13 MINI Cooper Factory JCW 6sp. '01 H-D Sportster. '03 Yamaha FZ-1.