Is it better to idle with engine on or off?
Contrary to popular belief, restarting your car does not burn more fuel than leaving it idling. In fact, idling for just 10 seconds wastes more gas than restarting the engine. Warm up your engine by driving it, not by idling. Today’s electronic engines do not need to warm up, even in winter.
Why is it bad to leave engine on idle?
It’s bad for your engine Since your engine is not operating at its peak temperature when you idle, the fuel doesn’t combust completely, leaving residue behind that can ultimately damage your exhaust system.
Is it bad to idle engine for hours?
Ten seconds of idling can burn more fuel than turning off and restarting the engine. Plus, excessive idling can damage your engine’s components, including spark plugs, cylinders and exhaust systems. Plus, driving – not idling – is the most effective way to warm up your engine anyway.
What RPM should a 4 cylinder idle at?
Typically, engines idle at about 600-800 rpm. Older engines may go up to 1200 rpm or more while warming up. But if the engine is revving up while idling, even after it’s sufficiently warmed up, you might have a problem.
Why you should not idle your car?
Your exhaust system produces emissions into the air and contributes to air pollution. Sitting in one spot for a long period of time pollutes air. Decreases performance. Over time, idling can cause your head gasket, spark plugs, or cylinder rings to deteriorate and stop working.
What should my RPM be at idle?
In most of today’s cars, an idle speed of 600 to 1000 RPMs is average. If your car is idling rough, though, it won’t feel smooth. The RPMs will jump up and down, for example, or they’ll fall below 600 RPM (or whatever is typical for your vehicle).
What should I do if my idle speed is too high?
With the engine off, unplug the IAC. Then start the engine and listen for an idle speed that’s either too high, too low, or fluctuating. An incorrect idle speed with the IAC unplugged (and a normal idle speed with the IAC connected) indicates the valve and its control circuit are working properly.
Why is there a 4° difference in idle timing?
The reasoning for the 4° difference is that when the engine is actually running, due to the nature of the solid state ignition components, the engine gains the extra 4°. If you set the engine to its true setting at cranking speed, when running it will advance beyond its limit by 4° which will set up pre-ignition causing guaranteed piston damage!
What does it mean when your engine idle is too low?
If your idle is too low, it could be the IAC not talking to the computer correctly. Disconnect the IAC connector for a couple seconds while your engine is idling. If your engine idle didn’t change, you can suspect it to be the IAC. If it is working properly, unplugging it would cause your idle to freak out.
How to adjust idle speed on a GM TBI?
After the 30 second wait, unplug the IAC (square 4-pin connector on the throttle body) WHILE THE KEY IS STILL ON. This prevents the ECM from adjusting the idle speed while you make your adjustments.