Mark Andrews

Hey, All. First time poster, but have used the forum here for years. 98' XJ w/243K and running strong. I do all the work myself--self-taught 100% (well, YouTube and this forum notwithstanding). I haven't posted up to this point because I usually can find my answer in previous threads. Also, I'm inpatient. OK, here's the details: I had a rough idle. I'd describe it as sort of a pulse/thump type rough idle. Still easy starting, etc. Soooooo, I did a full tune-up (plugs, wires, cap/rotor). While I was at it, decided to swap out injectors. Got Bosch re-man'd (4-hole). Did the R/R, with one mishap--the crankcase vacuum line (molded plastic) snapped. I looked up a cheap work-around on this forum and built a new one using fuel/rubber hoses and connectors and clamps. I'm somewhat certain that it doesn't leak (did starter fluid test). When I reset the PCM (unhooked battery, pos/neg touching for 30 secs, etc.) and did my first crank the idle was really rough like it was wanting to choke out and die. This lasted for about 20 secs, then the engine rev'd back up alittle above idle before settling into place. Driving, I had a lot of hesitation/bog and even some engine knock. I went back in and cleaned the TPS. That helped. Then, it didn't. So I swapped the TPS. That really helped, then it didn't. Pulled the oil cap and could smell fuel. Not alot, but it was there. Soooo, I went back into the fuel rail and pulled all the injectors. Found a cut o-ring. Checked the corresponding plug and it was somewhat fouled. Figured I had my issue. New 0-rings and plug. Fresh oil/filter. Fired it up, same thing. What I think I know: injectors, TPC and so forth are good. I really don't know if the IAC is good/bad or otherwise. Vacuum leak? Well, here's the other thing--have a parasitic draw somewhere so I always have to disco my battery overnight (until I can figure how to diagnose the electrical issue). Anyways, the same symptom happens every time I reconnect the battery and fire it up for the first time---20 seconds of rough/choking type idle followed by it smoothing out. I don't have the loss of power/bogging down anymore. Oh, and another symptom before was that the tranny (AW-4) was much slower to shift down under load. Vacuum? Boy oh Boy any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Eric Vincent

undo your up hole O2 sensor and see if it clears up.