Random Idle Problem??

[mycarv6]

1989 V6 LE Camy Auto
168,xxx miles so far.
2Nd Owner

Problem - i start my car, it goes high rpms (1500) then idles at 1k rpms, eventually when car is warm 550 or 800. After an hour- two hour park (after lunch), i went to start my car. It starts but i can feel+hear+see the tachometer fluctuates between 200- 500pm while in Park/Drive/Reverse, nearly to the point where it dies until i turn it off. I tried starting and adding gas for a bit, the problem is still there. After 3-4 tries, my final attempt, started the car immediately put it to reverse (to get out of spot) and it ran okay.. idles around 800. Car doesn't like cold starts?

I don't know what's the problem... so far. My knowledge about cars is not that great.

Past maintenance (major ones)
Transmission fluid was changed at 149k (do i need new fluid?)
Repair work done on "idle too low" in the past 145k
Timing Belt done at 136k (not applies in my situation)?

I read somewhere about it coming from EGR valve?
Raise up the idle?

idle too low, car sometimes dies (yes i searched)
^^^ similar thread but it doesn't answer my question.'

anyone have comments/suggestions/advices?

[holmesnmanny]

The high idle after a cold startup is completely normal. It does this until the car warms up. As the car warms up the idle comes down to normal. Assuming the problem after you start it up warm isn't tune-up related you could try cleaning out the idle air control valve.

[Mike Gerber]

"Repair work done on "idle too low" in the past 145k"

Specifically what was done?

Mike

[mycarv6]

I do not know, I will post it up when I receive more information.

[mycarv6]

http://tinypic.com/r/28ji2qf/7

apparently that might be my problem.

now what;s better - Duct tape it or replacement.

[Mike Gerber]

Most likely that is your problem. Duct tape might work as a temporary fix, but it wwill be hard to get it down in the crevices. Get a new one when you can.

Mike

[66conv6]

How about black rtv? Let it dry first before starting the engine.

[white90dx]

Originally Posted by 66conv6

How about black rtv? Let it dry first before starting the engine.

That might work until the next time the tube was moved/removed. It is a worthy temp fix until a replacement hose can be found.

I don't know if these are still available at the dealer - a junkyard might be your only bet.

-Charlie

[Mike Gerber]

If you try the RTV, clean the area thoroughly first with alcohol. You may need something like a toothbrush or a Q-tip to clean down in those groves.

Michael

[mycarv6]

Found a good air intake hose at pick -n - pull.
but the problem of low idle when started up the 2nd time / put in reverse/drive.

Where is the idle air control valve located?

[white90dx]

Originally Posted by mycarv6

Found a good air intake hose at pick -n - pull.
but the problem of low idle when started up the 2nd time / put in reverse/drive.

Where is the idle air control valve located?

It is bolted to the bottom of the throttle body. It sounds like the next step should be a good cleaning of the throttle body and IAC.

-Charlie

[holmesnmanny]

always REPLACE IT.

Driving a Toyota with an open piece in the intake system can be disastrous as I've already experienced myself(this same exact situation). Also, if the crack gets open enough the car won't start.

They sell these at rockauto for 40 bucks under "air cleaner intake hose".

[mycarv6]

Originally Posted by white90dx

It is bolted to the bottom of the throttle body. It sounds like the next step should be a good cleaning of the throttle body and IAC.

-Charlie

I think the ICV/IACV is bolted to the RIGHT of the throttle body.

how do i clean it? with what? Carb Cleaner? Should i cramped the throttle cable , to open the butterfly and carefully use a toothbrush?

[mycarv6]

Originally Posted by holmesnmanny

always REPLACE IT.

Driving a Toyota with an open piece in the intake system can be disastrous as I've already experienced myself(this same exact situation). Also, if the crack gets open enough the car won't start.

They sell these at rockauto for 40 bucks under "air cleaner intake hose".

rockauto is reputable?

[white90dx]

Originally Posted by mycarv6

I think the ICV/IACV is bolted to the RIGHT of the throttle body.

how do i clean it? with what? Carb Cleaner? Should i cramped the throttle cable , to open the butterfly and carefully use a toothbrush?

Throttle body/carb cleaner is good, as long as it is listed as 'sensor safe'. A toothbrush or other stiff bristle brush will help scrub the grime off.

I'm used to the 4-cylinder motor, so I may be off on its location. It may bolt on to the manifold near the throttle body. If you can, unbolt it to clean inside. You may only be able to soak it because you can't scrub inside - just do your best. Its worth a try for a few bucks and a half hour of your time.

-Charlie