1997 Escort lx stumbles at Idle

Hi,

We have changed the fuel filter, pcv, plugs, plug cables but the car still hesitates in idle. It will simply drop RPM and then immediately come back again. It does this almost rythmically but not at all times although it is more often than not. Last night when it started to do it the rpm drop/ revive cycle it actually stalled. There is no such issue when the gas is applied or at highway speeds at those times it appears to run smooth. Any one know where we should be looking to pinpoint the problem.

Thanks,
Trayfer

Hi,

We have changed the fuel filter, pcv, plugs, plug cables but the car still hesitates in idle. It will simply drop RPM and then immediately come back again. It does this almost rythmically but not at all times although it is more often than not. Last night when it started to do it the rpm drop/ revive cycle it actually stalled. There is no such issue when the gas is applied or at highway speeds at those times it appears to run smooth. Any one know where we should be looking to pinpoint the problem.

Thanks,
Trayfer

sounds to me that your IAC needs clleaning. Search this forum for the how to.

I had similiar problem. my 95 escort wagon engine would shake violently and then die (especially at stop). Take a look at the pcv elbow (at the other end of the pcv value). I found a hole in the elbow. I taped it with electrical tape. Engine runs much smoother now.
I have to go find an replacement elbow. I found his hint in an earlier thread