I did my full timing job some time go and the engine has been running perfectly ever since.

Lately I noticed it has been mis-firing or skipping when I first start it up for the day - It seems to do this only when it's cold outside (30-40F deg or so). After it warms up, the skip is gone and it's back to purring like a kitten. And NO DTC codes or check engine light, etc. My scanner is basic, so maybe I need a different one to detect the skip? I'm not sure.

I replaced all the spark plugs, coil boots and springs during my timing job and ONE of the coils because I accidentally broke the end of it when I was plugging the harness back in. I also broke a few of the 'breaks-a-lot' plastic plugs, but they to were replaced. I always solder the wires, so I doubt it's a bad connection.

I've read that replacing some or all of the coils can be hit or miss whether they last or not. And unfortunately the one coil I had to replace was NOT OEM. Could it be this coil causing the problem? I thought they either work or they don't. I don't know how the outside temp would affect it, but who knows with these modern electronics. Or is there another electronic widget in there somewhere that may cause the skip? Some sensor somewhere telling it to wait until it has its coffee before waking up?

The skip is not a big deal. It's an annoyance, but I would like to fix it.

Thanks,

 

clean your throttle body ... sounds like something with the choke at initial start up.

 

Thanks Mark... I didn't mess with any of it during the timing rebuild, so as far as I know it's all original. I have no doubt it can use a good cleaning.

 

 

For safety, unhook the battery for the throttle body cleaning job, especially if you clean the throttle body while installed. There are stories where a person had their fingers holding up the throttle plate and for whatever reason, it was energized to snap shut which cut off fingers.

 

That’s is true about safety issue. But you can’t do a good job cleaning without removing. And if you do try w/out removing and you move flapper you may ruin it. See video.

 

Thank you for the video! I would not have known about the dangers of that butterfly had you guys not mentioned it. I will most likely remove mine for a thorough cleaning. If it's relatively easy to get to, I prefer to remove it. I really hate cleaning parts while their still bolted on. I should have already done this during the timing re-fit. Live and learn.

Since we're on the subject, I was curious what these things cost in the event I have to replace mine down the road. The OEM is quite expensive as you can imagine and since my wallet and I are still licking our wounds from the timing components - Do these throttle bodies fall in that same category of "buy OEM only"? I haven't heard of the throttle body failing that often. Just curious if it's something I should be keeping an eye out for? Dare I say 'aftermarket', but at least it's not an internal part like a cam phaser, etc. Prices seem to range from about $70 on up to OEM bendover...

So off to the parts house tomorrow and grab a can or two of TB cleaner. I also didn't realize you should avoid regular carb cleaner on them
I learnt' sumtin' new 2-day!

Thanks,

 

If you try cleaning it with it installed, you will just wash all the crap down into the intake and will not be able to clean the underside of the TB.

 

Excellent point! I agree it's best to remove it before you give it a bath.

 

You'll only need one can of TB cleaner - it will last quite a while actually.

Also, pick up and install a new TB gasket - they're cheap.

Very easy procedure.