CF1 Twin Spark Fails To Compensate Idle For Extra Engine Load

[LuisMiguel]

Hello all!

There's now only one problem with my 146 that's been bugging me since I got the car, almost a year ago. The engine doesn't compensate the idle for the extra load be it the AC, the headlights, the power steering, etc. The idle always drops, and the engine struggles to run. Also right after a HOT start (only), the idle drops to 500rpm and then it settles at about 800rpm (which is a bit low - should be 880rpm), so I always need to blip the throttle so that doesn't happen. But if I stop the engine and then start it right away, there's a good chance the engine settles right away on 800rpm.

I had the throttle body cleaned, which didn't make any difference. Then I cleaned the ICV with WD40, which also didn't change anything, and then I bought a used ICV on ebay and guess what? No difference at all...

The car could have a vacuum leak, but the brakes are fine (the brake pedal feels a bit "light", but the car brakes fine). I'm guessing it could be the ICV gasket, as it seems to have almost none remaining, so it might not isolate properly.

Do you have any other ideias? I don't know what to do.. except trying to replace that gasket..

Many thanks to you all!

[Pujazuba]

Do you have diagnostic software available or an error code reader?

[LuisMiguel]

Originally Posted by Pujazuba

Do you have diagnostic software available or an error code reader?

No, I don't..

[LuisMiguel]

I also noticed that the idle tries to go up as the needle moves up a fraction of a second, but then it goes back to the same position (or lower). I imagine this can only be caused by a vacuum leak...