high idle runs rough and stalls

1992 CHEVROLET TRUCK
88,000 MILES • 5.7L • V8 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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BETH GREINER
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When the truck is started it runs at a high idle, and stalls when put in gear. Tuning it up today. Have read about the IAC. Any ideas welcome! Thanks in advance!
Mar 19, 2017 at 8:27 AM
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CARADIODOC
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High idle speed without a corresponding increase in power is usually caused by a vacuum leak. Start by pinching off each vacuum hose attached to the intake manifold to see if idle speed drops. If you find one that does, follow it to its branches and pinch off each one, one at a time, to narrow down the location of the leak. You might also try running a small stream of water over the joints between the intake manifold and cylinder heads while the engine is still cold, and running. If there is a leaking gasket, you might get lucky and see the water getting sucked in.
Mar 20, 2017 at 3:55 PM
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BETH GREINER
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Thanks as I said tuned it up today started sounded great except for a clicking noise shut it off the cap was not tight screwed it all the way down now it won't start! UGH,
Mar 21, 2017 at 3:51 PM
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CARADIODOC
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You didn't mention that before. It's apparent you know where to look because you only changed one thing, then the engine wouldn't run. Inspect the rotor and the inside of the distributor cap first to see if they were rubbing and something got damaged.
Mar 21, 2017 at 5:49 PM
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BETH GREINER
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Back to the same problem! Could the coolant temp sensor be it?
Mar 22, 2017 at 3:12 PM
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CARADIODOC
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Very doubtful. The Engine Computer uses readings from the coolant temperature sensor to know when to turn on the electric radiator fan, (for vehicles that use them), when to engage the transmission's lock-up torque converter, and to a small extend, to increase idle speed when the engine is cold and the fuel doesn't vaporize well. (It needs to be a vapor to burn. Liquid fuel won't burn). It is extremely rare for a temperature sensor to fail because there's just one component inside them. Much more trouble is caused by corroded connector terminals and wiring problems.

If a coolant temperature sensor were to read a temperature lower than actual, but smooth and steady, the symptom would be slightly high idle speed, but engine power would be normal. With a vacuum leak, you don't get extra power to match the higher speed. (A mechanic would make this observation by how far he has to push the accelerator pedal to get the vehicle moving).
Mar 22, 2017 at 6:50 PM
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BETH GREINER
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Understood. But you have to push the pedal to the floor in order to get it to go anywhere. Ignition control module? Oxygen sensor? Ahhhhhhhhhhh??? Lol
Mar 29, 2017 at 5:54 PM
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HMAC300
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just to add here these tbi unit trucks used to blow the gasket at abase of tbi and cause a vacuum leak leading to high idle,rough running etc. usually at back or front. check with carb cleaner if rpm changes it's more than likely the problem.
Mar 30, 2017 at 6:05 AM
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CARADIODOC
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Thanks brother HMAC300.
Mar 30, 2017 at 4:13 PM