I'm brand new to this forum. This seems like the place to go to find experts on old land cruisers.
So I have owned a 1988 land cruiser for at least 8 years. In the last couple years the idle has slowly been getting worse and it is now intolerable. It happens mostly when the engine is cool. It runs fine as long as I keep my foot on the gas but that makes it really hard to stop for a red light... I've tried to figure out what is wrong but I am not the best mechanic. It seems like the most likely thing is a bad idle control valve... those are so expensive. Maybe I just need to take some things apart and clean them.
I don't really know so I need help and remember I'm not the best mechanic so please explain things in a simple way.

thanks!

 

I had a problem with the idle control valve on my 77 FJ40 but I'm not sure if yours is configured similarly. If it has the valve on it check the wire on it and make sure there is 12V going to it, a simple 12V bulb connected with a couple wires is best for this. Otherwise you might be looking at a problem in the idle circuit inside the carb.

 

Thanks I will test the wires but keep in mind this is a 1988. It is fuel injected so my problem may be more complicated than on an old fj40.

 

Oh yes, sorry I thought you said 60 not 62. I haven't played with that system at all. Might be worth cleaning some electrical connections on that idle control valve. Also if you have a fuel filter in line somewhere you could check that, when it idles the voltage might drop and the pump might not put out enough pressure to pass through a plugged filter.

 

Might I suggest running some Redline fuel cleaner through it? SG1 or SI1 or something like that. Available at most parts stores. And grab some carb cleaner or throttle body cleaner(not as harsh) and clean the throttle body and the idle control valve.

Also verify that you have no vacuum leaks anywhere. Brake booster, hoses, manifold gaskets, etc.