Impala Forums banner

92 5.0 TBI Fluctuating Idle and Poor Gas Mileage

2.7K views 5 replies 3 participants last post by  AlfredoSmith  
#1 ·
Hey guys, starting the process of minting the 92 Olds Custom Cruiser (5.0 TBI). Im noticing the following things:

  • When I first start the car, my idle speed fluctuates slightly.. Tach is sort of bouncing. Smooths out after a moment. Is this indicating it needs an IAC?
  • Just changed the plugs and wires and noticed the plugs were carbon fouled
  • Car is averaging 17.6 MPGs, slightly lower than I would expect given that I drive mainly highway. Thoughts on improving this? I plan to change the O2 sensor next.

Not sure if any or all of these are inter-related. Does anyone have experience overhauling one of these 5.0L engines and getting them up to daily driving snuff?
 
#2 ·
Check to see if dirty or carbon build up on iac, clean and see if it helps. Might need some top engine cleaner, sea foam or another brand. I have used sea foam on my cars in past but I am sure others have their products of choice.
Good luck and nice wagon.
 
#3 ·
Thanks! Definitley need to run seafoam, but I dont know the best way on this TBI setup. Can you help point me in the right direction?

They make a new spray can with a special nozzle to insert in the Throttle Body, but I dont think it will work with this setup (to be honest, I havent gotten far enough to even pull out the air cleaner assembly to see what the setup looks like!)
 
#5 ·
On 87 Buick wagon I had car running and sprayed into throttle body a little at a time until engine would start to cut off but I have also taken off of car and cleaned. Been a long time since I did this hopefully some of the others will suggest other ways.
Always good to have choices.

See thanks CE