Ok everyone, after some serious front end work to this car (and it ran fine after the initial accident other than spewing fluid and crooked alternator). Well now at idle it goes from 1k to 3k rpm and just continues doing that.
I let it do this for about 5 minutes but then turned it off since I am not super experienced with the ins and outs of this engine and dont know how durable it is.


This is how I got the car



This is after I finished it up




Like I said I can only apply my general auto knowledge to this car as I dont know all its little quirks and details but before I go freeze my &%* off cleaning sensors do you guys have any ideas or are they known for this?

So far I just removed the intake arm to make sure the throttle plate wasnt open or anything.

Thank you for all your help in advance

 

Some things to check; disconnected PCV, coolant level too low, loose vacuum line to brake booster. Check all work carefully. It's likely something was not returned to original condition.

good luck

 

Hmmm I am guessing the coolant has something to do with the idle controller?
I am sure it is not completely full. My typical MO is to fill it till the radiator is full then run the car for a bit to make room and then top off. That being said the only cars I do work any extensive work on regularly are 3000gts and Supras which are completely different.

Thank you for the help

 

texashonda may be right, could just be a vacuum leak. Test to make sure all cables and hoses are fully connected and not damaged in anyway before you go any futher.

 

Will do. Is low coolant a typical cause of this?
Definitely isnt behaving like a vacuum leak in my experience and all the lines is tight. It was only down maybe a half quart of coolant but I just topped it off. Its a blizzard here so I will start it as soon as possible

 

There may be other reasons, but an unstable idle happens when too much idle air is i introduced, idle goes too high and ECM shuts down idle air through the Idle Air Control Valve to bring idle down. Cycle repeats because the IACV does not have control of idle air source, hence the suggestion of an air leak.

You might also check the air inlet tube for cracks/damage.

good luck

 

and YES low coolant can cause this. Air pockets flowing through the IACV will confuse the idle-control system.

 

have you tried cleaning the throttle body and the IACV?

 

Throttle was cleaned when I checked it, Have not cleaned the IACV yet, how do you recommend I do that on this car?.
Also that is on the back of the intake manifold correct?

I checked all hoses, let it run for a bit, coolant level is now full.
It now bounces from 1100 to 1900 so it has calmed down.


Everything seems fine connection wise only thing is the main engine fan is not connected as I am waiting for a new one to be shipped but the secondary is plugged in.

Also I am using a key I just had made. The security light goes off so I figured they did it right.

Just throwing everything out there just in case.

 

Try disconnecting the IACV and see if idle stablizes at high value. If yes, then air is getting by throttle plate and IACV somehow; intake manifold leak, PCV leak, vacuum brake booster tube or booster leak.

good luck