Idle – adjustment

[einar]

I’ve recently replaced the head gasket and adjusted the valve clearance (with shims) and timing. It’s a 1989, 2l 3S-FE engine.

The engine starts and run smooth – apart form two things:

- The idle is too low – 600 rpm (I assume this should be around 800 rpm)
- White smoke from the exhaust – no specific smell

I feel that there is something that is not properly set up, especially regarding the idling. I imagine that the white smoke is some water in the system is vaporizing…!???

Is there anyone that has any special or general comment upon this? Is the idle subjected to adjustment on these engines?

[Kep]

White smoke is often a coolant leak through the head gasket. Since you just replaced your head gasket I suspect that something was left undone or done incorrectly (sorry about that). Why did you elect to change the head gasket? Did you mill the surfaces flat? Can you do a compression check?

There is an idle adjustment screw on the 3SFE. My recollection is that it is covered by about a 1/2" rubber cap on the back driver side of the throttle body. (Don't be surprised if I get corrected. This is a vague memory.) The cap can be pried off and there is a screw beneath it. However, There is almost no reason to mess with the factory setting. The ECU should adjust the idle based on sensor input. If you do decide to change the setting carefully check where its original position is/was and keep track of any changes so that you can return it to its "default" setting.

Luck,
Kep

[Jimnist]

Mate, i've scanned the page needed to adjust the idle speed as well as checking the ISC(idle speed control) valve.

[einar]

Thanks - it is highly appreciated!
It says that idle speed should be 650 +/- 50. Mine is 600 so it might be OK? Anyway I think I will adjust it a bit. However, the white smoke worries me according to the previous reply ..... need to check a bit more. FYI: I changed the head gasket as it was obviously blown - and also milled the surfaces. Whether all was put together correct might be a question – but not any obvious blunders have yet been recognized …..

[Zod]

Did you follow the torque procedure on the head?

There is a specific pattern to the sequence, and I believe it is in 25% increments.

These aluminum heads are tough, but can be tweaked easily on that one procedure..

[einar]

I’m happy to say that the Camry is now running very well. I adjusted the idle speed slightly and then decided to run it and heating up the engine sufficiently. My hope was that the white smoke was just water in the system not properly vaporized. And YES after 20-25 min the white smoke disappeared. I’ve now ran it for more than 200 miles and it run just as smooth at it did before