Cold Start Fix, Tune up, and VC Gaskets.

[chazzone]

It does have a PCV valve/system.

mendozamm - the thermostat bolts are far more likely to snap than the upper plenum bolts.

'92 2.9 will still be OBD-I.

Sorry, meant EGR. Of course the 2.9 has a PCV.

 

[Psychopete]

86-87 do, but sort of irrelevant since most of people that replied have an '88+, but splitting hairs at that point =/

The cylinder shaped "gadget" on the side of the upper intake - most likely looking at the IAC. The TPS is on the passenger side of the throttle body. Compression 135-140 across all cylinders; sounds healthly to run ok.

Gauge guide indicates steady 10" of vacuum as late valve timing or vacuum leak.

 

[toadboy]

The ghost eludes me still...

Well, the timing was spot on. After the computer reset, she ran like new, heck, better, for a few minutes. I have run all the vac lines, except the run going to the tranny (mounted on the back side of the intake)? Could that be the vac leak? Where is the "egr" valve located? Might that be a cause for lack of vac? I can't wait to get back at her this morning; better than a good book! All sarcasm intended. Thanx again for all the directions!

 

[toadboy]

Great news! Cleaned the TPS, the IAC, and put a cup of sea foam thru the vacuum, and man, she ran like a scalded ape.... for about 15 mins. I am surrendering. I will take it to a mechanic and "hope" they can fix it. I assume they will say it is the computer, and that will fix it for about 15 mins too. But maybe they will find that little bugger that I can't seem to find, and get her back to reliable. Anywho, I do really appreciate all the learning! Thanks

 

[chazzone]

Great news! Cleaned the TPS, the IAC, and put a cup of sea foam thru the vacuum, and man, she ran like a scalded ape.... for about 15 mins. I am surrendering. I will take it to a mechanic and "hope" they can fix it. I assume they will say it is the computer, and that will fix it for about 15 mins too. But maybe they will find that little bugger that I can't seem to find, and get her back to reliable. Anywho, I do really appreciate all the learning! Thanks

One last thing to check is the O2 sensor. They're not hard to check, but they can be a PITA to get out in one piece. OTOH, if they are in that bad a shape, then they probably aren't working, anyway.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdn4Dk5PSwc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bbpggeL2dKo

BTW, did you ever check for codes?

 

[toadboy]

Ok, so I drove the old girl 30 miles to a shop. They have a really good reputation. She ran like a singer; flawlessly. No rough idle when it went into the shop bay. Went for a walk, they checked codes. 22, 23. I bought a new MAP sensor based on their expertise. Not only did the MAP make it worse, they had "adjusted" the TPS, and changed the timing. The truck would not stay running! No idle at all. They said it could only be the distributor or ECM. AARGH! I drove it home, limping, bucking, smoking, and skeered. I am going to find an ECM, and replace the TPS. Man, I am having fun now...

 

[toadboy]

New 'puter, TPS, and O2 sensor and she runs like a top. Lucked out, got the exact same ECM from a u-pull for 30 bucks! Now my fingers are crossed for continued good tidings with her. Thanx for the great tips!

 

[toadboy]

I had a few minutes to tinker with the old ECM; it had a corroded/burnt capacitor on the board. It was marked "10uF63V". It must have leaked and one of the legs had broken/corroded off contact. Looked at capacitors on line, only cost a dollar or 2. Yes, I feel froggy again. Believe I will try to solder it up, and "check" it back in he truck. Nah! As long as she runs, she is buttoned up! Except got the tranny pan. New filter, fluid, and inspection. I really need a long weekend!

 

[toadboy]

Hey ALL! My old girl (399K) is back on the road. She is running like new, and has more power than I ever remember (the wheels spun on blacktop!), with bottom end torque to spare! I swapped out the tranny filter, added fluid, and drove her 100 miles over the weekend. She runs and rides better than my '99. I wanted to again express my appreciation for the incredible resources I had here on the forum. I could not have been successful without the education I had here! Thanx ALL!