QuestionHello,
My car has about 160K on it, but it runs like a top and I wouldn't want another car because this one has treated me good. One thing it has done recently has me thinking. The oil pressure has been getting low, very low, so as to bump the idiot light on at idle/traffic lights etc. I figure I need an oil pump and I just may do that sometime soon. Also, it usually idles at about 6-700rpms and recently jumped up to 11-12rpms and now seems like it is idling at 1300rpms. This is a bittersweet thing in that it takes care of the low oil pressure, but poses another problem I'm sure. I read that it may be the mass air flow getting dirty and to clean it with carb cleaner or brake fluid. Do you have any ideas as to why it may be doing this? Thanks very much.
AnswerMike
Though a MAF can cause idle problems,usually high idle speeds is caused by either an intake leak or and IAC motor,the Idle Air Control motor on the throttlebody gets carbon on the pintle,thus it is unable to move to the proper position and control idle speeds,you can attempt to clean the IAC with carb cleaner and also clean the passages,GM has issued a new IAC and is less prone to failure.
On the intake leaking,i would really check the intake gaskets for leaking,they are notorious intake leakers,not only vacuum leaks,but they leak coolant into the oil,this could be the cause of your low oil pressure,coolant will destroy the engines bearings,i would really inspect the intake seals.
ED
