bad idle

[1988capriceclassic]

ok i have a 1988 caprice and just about two weeks ago it started having this problem when it starts up smokes(dont smoke after start up) but two min's of running its starts to idle really low to the point that i think its going to die but after i take of it run's fine i just changed my spark plugs and did a oil change on it help please

[silicon212]

What color is the smoke? Black? Blue? White?

If it's blue, it's probably old hardened valve guide seals (allowing a little oil in the cylinder when it's sitting), nothing to really worry about unless the smoke never goes away.

If it's black, it could be a rich condition with the carb (choke sticking?) causing the smoke, and possibly accounting for the low idle.

[GreyGoose006]

white smoke accompanied with a sugary sweet smell is burning coolant.
if this is the case, your headgasket is probably bad


edit:
the blue smoke silicon is talking about isnt noticably blue unless you look at it.
you should more be looking for a nasty skanky smell and dense bluish white smoke if you are burning oil.

it is normal for these engines to burn oil on startup if it has been sitting overnight.
just make sure that it goes away after 30 seconds or so at most.

[PeteA216]

it is normal for these engines to burn oil on startup

It is common, but I wouldn't say it's normal. Thats a definate indicator of worn valve stem seals. My GMC Sierra did it, and new valve seals stopped that dead in it's tracks. Now my 88 Van is doing the same, but screw trying to get to those valve covers lol.

[GreyGoose006]

i guess i meant that it is extremely common for engines of that age to smoke on startup, and that it really doesnt HURT anything...

[1988capriceclassic]

Originally Posted by silicon212

What color is the smoke? Black? Blue? White?

If it's blue, it's probably old hardened valve guide seals (allowing a little oil in the cylinder when it's sitting), nothing to really worry about unless the smoke never goes away.

If it's black, it could be a rich condition with the carb (choke sticking?) causing the smoke, and possibly accounting for the low idle.

ok well i changed some of the vac hoses and i still have the problem so i took a look at the wire and when i pulled one of em off the distrubitor cap this orange looking dust come out but the wierd thing it was just from one cable so i went to autozone and bought new cable(havent changed them yet)and told the guy wha was going one oh also when sittin on idle if i go to the back of the its sound as if the car was having some gas lol farting and i told this to the az guy and he said it might be miss fire'n what could be a reason its miss firen if thats what it is oh and the smoke is blue and yeah it does stop right away