3.0i A Little Sluggish, Idle is Fine

[hunds02]

Hey Folks,

I have not posted on here for awhile. Like the title says, my 3.0 seems a little sluggish, but my idle is averaging between 635-650 RPMs (Check out this video here)

I created this thread because I need advice on how I should diagnose and also most threads out there are related to rough idle. I did have rough idle a few months ago. After my indy replaced the VCG and Crank case breather system, the car started to have rough idle. Turns out it was premature spark plug failure caused by the massive oil leak from the VCG. After changing all 6 spark plugs and 6 ignition coils, rough idle was completely eliminated.

So this morning I checked for codes with my Peake scanner, even though no SES light was on. Not a single code was stored (Yay!). So I am thinking it can be related to either the Camshaft intake sensor, DISA Valve, or Idle Control Valve. These three components have never been replaced on this car and I am currently at 152,600 miles. I'm on the original fuel filter as well. See the breakdown below:

Current Mileage: 152,600

Spark Plugs/Ignitions Coils (6 and 6): 12/15/2014 @ 151,390
Last Oil Change: 7/1/2014 @ 147,000
PreCat O2's: 9/17/2013 @ 136,600
Cleaning of AFE Air Intake ProDry: 6/29/2013 @ 133,521 (Non-oil Version)
Cleaning of MAF: 6/29/2013 @ 133,521

So there you go guys, I'm not really sure where to start since there are no fault codes stored. I also would rather no throw money at it and play the guessing game.

[Ricky Bobby]

At your mileage maybe Vanos seals?

[hunds02]

Hmm.. I'll look into that. Is this a complicated procedure? I'll do some reading and if it isn't too complicated, I'll try to find a DIY. Thanks for your reply

[Rockit]

It could be anything.....but this is the most common part that breaks that can effect your idle. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Ri68uuK4R0

[hunds02]

Originally Posted by Rockit

It could be anything.....but this is the most common part that breaks that can effect your idle. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Ri68uuK4R0

Thanks for posting the video. I will check this out tomorrow. Kind of scary that you can destroy your engine with that pin. If I put a towel in the intake tube in the same way as in the video, will I be safer that way? Or is it somewhere else the pin may fall that will cause severe damage?

[hunds02]

Actually, I rather not risk dropping the pin into the intake. What I will do is check for any noise that would indicate a bad or loose flap. If I don't hear anything then chances are the flap is still good. Then I will go get a smoke test done to rule out any small cracks or tears in the entire intake system. If the gasket on the DISA is worn, it should show up on the smoke test? Hopefully by then I will have some answers.

Honestly, I may just be paranoid. When I refill up I will check my MPG. Its really not bad just not as peppy as it used to be.

[Ricky Bobby]

Vanos seals deteriorate over time/mileage to give a "sluggish feel" at low speeds, idle, etc, it sounds more like whats going on. If you do them, you'll want to do the VCG job as well.

As far as DISA goes, at your mileage I would be installing the G.A.S. rebuild kit for $85 to replace the failure prone components and the kit comes with a new seal. Don't wait until something fails on it.

[hunds02]

Originally Posted by Ricky Bobby

Vanos seals deteriorate over time/mileage to give a "sluggish feel" at low speeds, idle, etc, it sounds more like whats going on. If you do them, you'll want to do the VCG job as well.

As far as DISA goes, at your mileage I would be installing the G.A.S. rebuild kit for $85 to replace the failure prone components and the kit comes with a new seal. Don't wait until something fails on it.

Bummer. I had my indy replace the VCG around a month ago. If I would have known about the Vanos seals I would have had him do that as well. I currently live in an apartment in downtown Minneapolis so I don't have the space to do any car work. I am moving in a few weeks to a house in Ohio with a 2 car garage, so I will look into doing that shortly after I move.

I'll look into the DIY and see how involved the repair is.