'94 ST Idling Seems Very Low, Symptoms noticed after long hibernation period Options

[UTSlickVic]

Hey all,

Hate to say this but I had not started/ran my car for 6+months. So I decided to get her started and do some maintenance. Before I started her I changed the oil and filter. Had to jump her to get here started, but after that all was fine (battery practically brand new). It has a very small amount of fuel left but did not fill her up with new fuel yet.

Ok, so here is what I noticed. Driving experience was great aside from the brake pad noise. She did not sputter nor was there a hesitation in acceleration (1.8L so I don't expect much). One thing that I that took me off guard was when I stoppped (still in drive) her idle was so soft/quiet that I tought the engine was about to die. 3Years Back: I got my timing belt changed and I noticed afterwards that it had a slight vibration when stopped / in park, but it never really phased me. Vibration can be "seen" through the steering wheel. Back to the Present: So I just chalked up the restart experience to me not being use to my 1.8L. So I got out left her running / in park, thats when I noticed I could see vibration (moderate shaking) on my trunk lid. Traced it back to the exhaust which then I traced back to the engine... which makes sense.

Long story short: The idle is so low that it is causing an engine vibration. Its like it has found harmony between idle and nearly koncking out. Right now she is idling at ~500-600 rpm.

Fuel filter has been replaced before (~3yrs ago) and PCV valve. As far as I know my throttle adjucstment has never been tampered with. After all this brain storming I regapped/cleaning up my spark plugs... made a very slight difference.

My biggest worry is ?maybe? my timing belt job was done improperly. Again I think she has HAD this problem ever since that time belt job... I think. But everyone tells me its not that (not sure why it can't be that). My distributer and and plug wire have never been replaced. I wish I can see a change in RPMs due to the a/c compressor but my a/c has been out of service for awhile now. Engine mounts need replacing?

I would like to know what I can do myself before I take it to a mechanic. Would like to here someone's diagnosis on this?

THANKS

-Vic

PS: Glad to be back on the 6GC board!

This post has been edited by UTSlickVic: Sep 7, 2010 - 4:41 PM

[SupraKid]

Adjusting the throttle cable is VERY simple, and you cant really screw anything up that you cant undo in a matter of seconds, the bolts are 12 or 14 mm i believe..You just turn them with a wrench and you will hear the idle either increase or decrease. Then you tighten the bolts up just snug, go look at what your idling at on your tachometer and adjust.Then when you have your preferred idle you tighten the bolts down