cold exhaust

[tigger81]

I have a 1990 Lumina. I went out tonight and was messing with the car. I had the thing running for ten minutes, but the exhaust is not getting hot. The pipe is ice cold to the touch. What could be causing this?



Thanx.

[tigger81]

I have more to add to this problem. The car has problems running when I try to drive it. Could the cataytic covertor be clogged or stopping up when the car gets warm. The gas is cutting in and out. Any information would help alot. THANKS

[Kooterskkar]

Thats good that the exhaust inst getting hot. Means you wont burn yourself. Probably want to replace your IAC valve. If your service engine light is on take it to autozone or somewhere and have the codes read.

[tigger81]

Thanks for the info, but what exactly is the IAC valve? Were is it located at?

[cadgear]

The Idle Air Control valve is a solenoid mounted on the throttle body (for 3.1 and 3.4 engines its to the right of the plenum; the big metal bit that sits atop the engine). Its purpose is to regulate the engine's idle speed by allowing a certian amount of air to bypass the throttle plate. To increase airflow the valve opens and to decrease it closes.