I have a 1992 5.2L automatic and it has some weird idling problems. It'll idle in neutral and park just fine, it'll idle until it runs out of gas, but leave it in reverse or drive for a few seconds (such as at a stop light), and it usually dies. I have to shift it in to neutral at every stop light, for fear that it'll die on me. Anybody know a cause? I'm not sure what it could be.....and it drives me nuts.

 

I would start by doing a tune-up. When it idles in park and neutral the rpms are higher. When in a gear it puts a load on the engine and the rpms drop slightly. It could be several different things but its best to start with a tune-up so you know the ignition system is working property.

 

gonna want to check for a vacuum leak while you're there, also would cause problems

 

Ah yes, this was one of my thoughts. Just kind of wanted somebody to confirm that for me.

I'll do a tune-up as well. I know that I need to change my spark plugs and air filter.....Spark plugs have probably only been changed once. The engine has over 380,000km on it, most of that towing fifth-wheels, so it's done some tough work.

Thanks guys. Hopefully this is all she needs. Who am I kidding.....it's never ending, which isn't necessarily a bad thing.

 

def sounds like plugs and wires would be a good idea, cap and rotor will help and arent very expensive

 

i just figured vacuum leak would be a good place to start, my dak has a 360 LA swap and the poor gal has a vacuum leak at the base plate of the carb which makes her run like s*** when she's cold, ESPECIALLY in R, D, 1, 2

 

im gunna go with sobie on this one deffinetly sounds like a vacuum leak i would check all the vacuum hoses at the carb or throttle body, the brake booster, and also the cruise control if there all ok spray a little either (starting fluid) at the base of the throttle body and any other gasket that might be leaking if you hit the vacuum leak the motor will reve really high and then come down

 

Picked up some parts to do a tune-up (that was pretty much needed anyway). New air filter, spark plug wires, spark plugs, distributor cap, distributor rotor, crankcase breather, PCV, and some Sea Foam.

 

Nothing like replacing all parts listed above, going to start your truck, and realize that the battery is dead.

 

well a new battery never hurt nuttin either