Hoping this is just a dirty Idle air cntrl valve

[tmarsh]

So I just spent a bunch of money on a new rear seal and new clutch...now, my car is dying after it has warmed up. I smell gas when I try and restart which makes me think that it is running rich and needs mo' air. I cleaned the throttle body approx. 6-8 mos ago, but not sure if I got the IAC. Also, what do you use to plug up the coolant hoses on the throttle body? I saw someone mention bolts...and when doing that is there an easy way , without spilling a bunch of coolant? Also, one last thing, any trick to cleaning the IAC? I have cleaned one on a Ford Explorer, just not sure if it is any different. Thanks - Aaron

[marc780]

Clean it when the engine is cold. That way there's no pressure in the cooling system. Not much water leaks out, you could just plug the hoses with bolts or even sharpened pencils if need be.

The IAC works with little rotating vanes inside, the idle problem is caused when the vanes get dirty, and this effectively changes the idle mixture making it run rich because there is less space for the air to flow. So cleaning it restores performance.

Just use carb cleaner or TBI cleaner and compressed air if you have it and clean it like new. And make sure the vanes can rotate smoothly and reinstall it. And good news, if you are careful you can probably reuse the gasket too.

[Doctor J]

Double check connector on the coolant thermo sensor. If it loose, it can flood the warm engine.