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Fast idle

Posted: Nov 05, 2018 10:00 AM
by danix
I was alarmed to find that as the mornings have gotten colder, my car started racing at idle, at least until the engine warmed up.
I'm talking 2500-3000rpm.

Did some research and found the cold start mechanism which has a coolant hose plumbed to it, and provides a mechanical actuation of the throttle to bump the idle speed (or race the engine in my case).

Thankfully, a simple adjustment of the actuating rod lowered the cold idle speed, and today when I left for the airport at 5am, it idled normally.
Simple fix, hope this can help someone else in the future. I'll add a picture when I can.

Re: Fast idle

Posted: Nov 06, 2018 7:46 AM
by gadget73
There is actually a whole setting procedure for that but basically there should be a gap between the star wheel and the back of the throttle lever when its warmed up. I don't have the manual in front of me (I can email you a copy if you send me a PM ) but I seem to remember its somewhere in the .015 - .025 range. The manual goes into more measurements to make sure the cable clamp is where it belongs.

Re: Fast idle

Posted: Nov 18, 2018 2:00 AM
by danix
@gadget73, please send me the procedure if you have it - you have my email.
I've adjusted this 2-3 times already and it keeps coming back.

Re: Fast idle

Posted: Nov 19, 2018 7:48 AM
by gadget73
Will do when I get home

Re: Fast idle

Posted: Nov 19, 2018 4:38 PM
by gadget73

Re: Fast idle

Posted: Nov 22, 2018 10:35 AM
by danix
Thanks, that was quite helpful. I finally have the idle sorted.

Re: Fast idle

Posted: Nov 23, 2018 3:35 PM
by gadget73
Ford has their faults, but they do write a decent manual.