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Idle Question

N

neversummer

Regular Contributor
1989 5.0 V8 owner here with a

1989 5.0 V8 owner here with a question about idle. I had the dealer do a tune up this spring and install a new thermostat (apparently the thermostat had been removed by the previous owner) and ever since it has been idling a little weak (engine "pulses" slightly and sounds like it is not getting enough gas). After starting I need to rev it a bit to keep from stalling. Other than that it runs perfectly...could this be water in gas/Ethanol problem? Should I try to adjust the idle screw? Thanks very much.
 
What is the operating temp RPM

What is the operating temp RPM? It should be 650 in the water under load in forward.
 
id say its like us old fellas

id say its like us old fellas and needs some help to get up to running if the rpm's arent what guy said. possibly (lower) then i would check the timing. and if its ok in my opinion i dont think it would hurt to bump the idle screw if the rpms arent there
 
"Thanks. I will try bumping up

"Thanks. I will try bumping up the idle screw. Do i give it a quarter turn or so at a time and give it a minute to take effect? turn clockwise to turn up, i assume?"
 
the idle speed screw will take

the idle speed screw will take effect immediately - no need to wait for anything. Recommend you do this adjustment AFTER the engine is thorough warmed up.
 
"Yep, this worked! Engine now

"Yep, this worked! Engine now runs smooth, without pulsing or lagging. That idle screw just needs a minimal turn and it jumps right up!"
 
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