lol...I live in Oregon. It does suck. I could have bought a decent running 4wd rather than this beat to hell/bent bed (how do you bend a bed???) truck.

 

So...what do I do?

I have NOT messed with the TPS. I don't know how to burp the system? The temp goes way up and then the thermostat opens. Do I need a new thermostat?

 

If the cooling system has been properly burped, then I would remove the dash-pot on the throttle body. My idle was erratic for the longest time. I would come to a stop and the truck would idle at 2000 and then the next stop it would idle somewhere else. I even adjust the idle screw all the way in. The dash-pot is under the throttle arm and it is designed to keep the throttle from slamming shut when you let your foot off the gas. It is common for these to stick with age. I would not replace it or clean. I would just remove it as I did. My truck has run perfect since I removed it 3 years ago. It jerks a little from time to time when letting off the throttle, but I seldomly notice it. Try it you have nothing to loose an its free.

 

See:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri...tml#Thermostat

 

So how do you properly burp the system? What is the dash-pot? My truck idles like . Idles at 1300 or so fully warmed and the idle screw all the way turned in. And, when I start to turn it out (a couple of turns) the idle starts to jump again.

 

Burp cooling system w/ rad. cap off, front of truck uphill and run w/ heater valve open until t-stat opens and bubbles leave the system.

Dashpot circled in green:


More info:
http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri....shtml#Dashpot

 

why would I want to remove the dash-pot. I never did it uphill...so it looks like I'll be doing it again.

 

I did it again. Antifreeze spilled until it got really hot. Then a bunch of antifreeze shot out of the radiator (probably a half gallon) and it spilled all over the engine. I filled it back up. Took it for a drive and it still does the idle thing. What do you suggest I do? Should I remove the dash pot?

 

Removed the stupid dash pot. It does seem to run better. Not sure because my idle is not so erratic...its that it just surges. So, should I burp the system again? What should I do?

 

Check your TPS (Throttle Position Sensor) IDLe adjustment. Make sure your throttle stop is set properly. Make sure there is no vacuum leaks in the system. Make sure your timing is set properly (5 BTDC w/ timing jumper installed). All those can make the idle speed erratic and/or high. High idle speed can cause surging:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/TLCA_Tru...ech.04.09.html

 

I'm taking apart the thing on the bottom of the intake (where coolant goes in) I used vice grips on two. Got one out with a dremel...and the other I am soaking in penetrating oil...so hopefully I can get it off.

I have not checked my vacuum lines. They were fine. Timing is set properly...I just adjusted it.

Thanks!

 

come on guys! My truck is crazy. I tried to start it and it barely started and it died. Tried to do it again and it died. Then I put my foot on the gas and pumped it while it was turning over and it started...so WTF???

 

Try the fuel pump test jumper:
http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri...shtml#FuelPump

Test the Air Flow Meter:
http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTricks/AFM/index.shtml

 

would you say it is either one of those? Should I be getting a code? Should I burp my system again?

 

O.K...to actually finish this up...I did solve my problem...thanks to a friend.

I will ACTUALLY post and finish this thread...to conclude. So, to all the people that have had this problem too...this "could" be yours.

Anyway. What happened is I tightened the speedo cable that attaches to the butterfly. I made it so that I could have less slack in the line. Well..it turns out that even if it looks like it's not doing anything it just might be. So, I took it off...made it shorter and long and behold it IDLES!!! No more surging...just some adjusting.

btw...I am an IDIOT!!! Flame on!

 

Put your dash-pot back on.

 

how come?