My '90 camry v6 (328,000 miles) is idling aroung 500 rpm...think it could be contributing to my failed emissions test. How do I adjust it to about 750 rpm?

There is a procedure in the manual for your car found in the "Factory Service Manuals" thread at the top of the forum. Once in the manual open "engine mechanical". You'll find it there.

RIP

U Rock....thanks

Happy to help. If they talk about an SST or STT tool that means a paper clip in your desk.

Make sure the spark plugs are clean and gapped, plug wires are good, cap and rotor terminals are clean and not oxidized and the timing is correct. Also check/clean the PCV and EGR valves. THEN check/adjust your idle speed since the ECM compensates for all of the previous conditions when calculating the fuel/air mix and spark timing.

You didn't mention what part of the emissions test your car failed at specifically...that can help us diagnose the problem.

Congrats on cranking out 300k+ miles!

Pardon me for taking so long to reply (truly appreciate your help)

I failed the NOx part of the test.

Thought I did a good job of cleaning the EGR valve until a couple days ago I was looking at the manual RIP referred me to. Then I realized that I thoroughly cleaned everything but the valve. I think that's why I failed the retest.

Went back in there, think I did a better job on the valve this time, and I also replaced the modulator. Thought about replacing the thermostat because temp gauge arm is reading about 1/4 the way up the scale (sometimes it reads 1/2 way).

Thanks again for the help. Will keep yas posted.

I made the strangest discovery. Thought thermostat or temperature sensor was bad.

Was sitting with the car idling. Messing around with the steering wheel (turning left and right then left then right) I noticed both the temperature and rpm gauges moving. With the steering wheel in a certain position the temp gauge read normal and the rpm gauge read 750.

Could be power steering pump or pressure lost?

Any thoughts?

Thanks

I made the strangest discovery. Thought thermostat or temperature sensor was bad.

Was sitting with the car idling. Messing around with the steering wheel (turning left and right then left then right) I noticed both the temperature and rpm gauges moving. With the steering wheel in a certain position the temp gauge read normal and the rpm gauge read 750.

Could be power steering pump or pressure lost?

Any thoughts?

Thanks
It is normal for the rpms to fluctuate when the car is not moving and you turn the steering wheel from side to side. a load is put on the engine when you do that so the power steering idle up feature kicks in. how much is the temperature gage moving? Did you replace the thermostat?

Regards,
JOET/CAMRY

Thanks JOET

Temp gauge fluctuatates btwn quarter and half way. RPM gauge btwn 550 and 750 RPM. Have yet to install thermostat or temp sender switch above the thermostat (on my short list)

BTW: are you familiar with the procedure for cleaning the combustion chamber? I saw a thread that talked about using Seafoam or using a spray bottle of water thru the brake booster. Can you or someone expand on that procedure? (Failing this emissions, NOx, test is really working on me).

Thanks again

Thanks JOET

Temp gauge fluctuatates btwn quarter and half way. RPM gauge btwn 550 and 750 RPM. Have yet to install thermostat or temp sender switch above the thermostat (on my short list)

BTW: are you familiar with the procedure for cleaning the combustion chamber? I saw a thread that talked about using Seafoam or using a spray bottle of water thru the brake booster. Can you or someone expand on that procedure? (Failing this emissions, NOx, test is really working on me).

Thanks again
Read this thread here. http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=457540&highlight=SEAFOAM

post # 7 has the same problem with failing the NOx test. He cleaned the egr valve and that solved the problem. I cleaned the egr valve of my 1989 camry awile back. read post # 9 and it explains how I went about cleaning it.

I believe your thermostat is probrally fine. with the idle so eratic between 550 and 750 rpms the coolant sensor switch might be the culprit. I've never had this type of problem with any of my vehicles I owned. Hopefully someone else can chime in and give you better advice than I can.:confused: Good Luck.

JOET/CAMRY