Hi,
I have a 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass with the 307 V8. It has 60000 miles on it. The issue is the cold idle. During the winter the idle takes a long time to kick down. Sometimes 25 minutes. Warmer weather is it less. Some times the engine light comes on and goes out after the idle kicks down. What would be some areas to look at to try to solve this problem?
I took some time today to check out the carburetor on the Cutlass. I took off the air cleaner and I don't see an idle air control valve. I tried cleaning the linkage and the inside but the idle still sticks at high and takes a while to kick down.
Clean, or replace the PCV Valve?
I did replace the PCV
Have you tried Carburetor cleaner?
Old School - My dad used to pour Marvel Mystery Oil straight into the Carb. [Smoked up the whole neighborhood. 🤣 ]
Yes, I sprayed down the linkage. Then I started the car and sprayed the top of the carb. Still the idle stayed high for several minutes before I could get it to kick down.
This is my first response on this site. So, having said that... As I recall, on the older GM's they called it a "choke". It's a temperature sensitive spring connected to a rod or link that cracks the throttle open a bit to speed up engine warm up. Some had a pipe that would draw warm air off the exhaust manifold and direct it towards the spring. (Some also have a valve in the air cleaner snorkel that did the same thing.) Some were adjustable. If it has this it will be attached to the carb opposite from the throttle linkage. The link or rod may have a little wear spot on it that catches and stops it from releasing until the engine is really warm. If the vacuum valve in the snorkel is bad it won't draw warm air into the carb. Make sure the tube from the exhaust manifold to the snorkel is attached and isn't clogged. I don't think GM had starting using IAC valves in 87, but I've been wrong before. Also, it could be a vacuum leak that seals up as the engine heats up. (worst case)
I remember, that it might be the one, that had an electric heating coil that could adjust the choke setting.
I will go thru my paperwork on the car. I know i have had the carb serviced back when Olds existed. I will see if its mentioned about an electric heating coil
Ok I will check the snorkel. I will also check the choke and see what I find.
Also, the choke set up does not release itself. You have to be there to "kick" the pedal so that the cam moves out of the way. In other words, you can't start it, go back in the house and wait for it idle normally. The idle will in fact increase as the engine warms up as a rule and also if the EGR system starts dumping hot exhaust into the intake because the engine is above normal idle speed. I would focus on the choke.