Idle Problems/Rough Running/No Power

[axel]

Thanks to all for the help on the no start issue, turned out to be a bad starter.

I now have a new problem. (this is an 88 GW, all stock). It will start, but not idle and has greatly reduced power on the road. I first thought about a vacuum leak, so I checked the exisitng lines (PO had some capped off..) and replaced one that was questionable. This didn't have any effect on the problem.

Then I noticed that there is gas leaking out of the accelerator pump (at least I think that is what it is called, on the front of carb, plunger type button that is pushed in by the throttle linkage).

Would this cause these problems or could this just be another symptom caused by the real problem.

The other thing is that this problem just surfaced after I left it idling for about 20-25 minutes on Saturday. Then I drove on the highway for about 10 miles and when I exited, it stalled when I came to a stop. I have had trouble with it since.

I thought it may be CTO related, but I have not been able to pinpoint how to check those. Can I bypass them somehow to check to see if that is it?

Thanks for your help, I would be lost without this site.

[JAllenWAG]

The leaking accelerator pump can definitely cause problems. Also check to see if the plastic part on the CTO rotates in the metal base. If it does then chances are it is leaking. All 3 of mine did this...replaced them all....and car runs better hot and cold. Also check EGR valve. I had a bad EGR as well and that solved many problems (rough idle, pinging, having to use 93 octane gas).

[axel]

Thanks for the reply. I did check the CTOs and I know for sure on the red 3 prong one (on right if facing engine from front) the red portion does spin in the base, same with the yellow one (on left if facing from front). I don't recall if the one behind the carb twists or not.

Is the replacement of the CTO's as simple as it appears (just wrench out and wrench in)?

[JAllenWAG]

I would replace them...they are cheap and it solved some problems that I'd been having for a long time.

[axel]

Will do. Unfortunately, I can only locate 1 of the replacements locally. So I guess I will be replacing the red one tonight, and continue to try to find the others.

[Zacko]

Okay, having been instructed on what a CTO is I can speak a little more intelligently. I had always called them ported vacuum switches. And just because they turn doesn't make them any good. You actually need to test them for function. They are often marked with a temperature that they function at. For instance, if it has an 80 on it it would function at 80 degrees.
To test them apply vacuum at the port that has the vacuum line attached that comes from the vacuum source (carb base or manifold) if it is a normally off switch then you shouldn't have vacuum on the other tube. As it warms up it should open allowing vacuum to the other port. The three way switches may allow vacuum on one port when cold and the other when warmed up.
At any rate a visual inspection will tell you nothing unless it is broken off. You have to perform a functional test to be sure.

[axel]

Well I changed the one CTO that I could find (the red 3 port), no change. Since my carb is leaking around the accel pump, and I suspect the power valve may be shot, I'll get it rebuilt. Anyone know where I can find the rebuild kit or recommend a particular brand?

[JAllenWAG]

Yeah I would definitely go for a rebuild....or an aftermarket carb. I rebuilt my motorcraft a couple times without solving anything and finally got rid of it for an Edelbrock. Also check your egr. Disconnect the EGR vacuum hose from ported vac at the carb and see if it runs better. Mine was so bad the car wasn't driveable with the egr hooked up.

-Jason

[axel]

Thanks, should I disconnect the vacuum for the EGR at the EGR itself ? Should I plug the disconnected hose or leave it open?

Sorry for the newbie questions, but that is what I am, first FSJ...

[JAllenWAG]

I disconnected mine at the base of the carb (front of carb on drivers side). Plug the hose and the port on the carb. I noticed major improvement without the egr hooked up but I ran hot and lean until I replaced it.

[JAllenWAG]

Hey don't apologize for the newbie questions...When I got my fsj I new nothing about cars and now I've mostly rebuilt this one and do all my work myself. You can find out basically anything you need to know on this site.