Thread: 454 won't idle
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Old 07-26-2013, 01:14 AM
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Re: 454 won't idle

Starter fluid often will ignite on compression only. So, its possible for a gasoline engine to run (sort-of) on starting fluid (ether) without sufficient spark.

Checking fuel pressure and pressure regulator functionis, of course an excellent step.

You may want to check the ignition system. My 1990 MFI Jeep had the same symptoms, it would not idle below 1000 rpm, but ran well at higher speeds. Turned out the ignition coil was bad. It worked when the alternator was spinning fast enough to produce 13.7 volts. But at idle, the system voltage dropped to 12 volts, just low enough to kill the spark.
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