Hello Frank and everyone else! I am about 500 miles into the rinse phase of a regular Auto-Rx engine oil application in my 2000 Grand Marquis. I just had my transmission flushed a few weeks ago after a 1000 miles with the transmission application.
I started experiencing this a few months ago when I started the clean phase with Auto-Rx added to the engine oil. The engine started to be a little rough on cold starts and any time it idles. The RPMs seem to fluctuate constantly when idling, especially when in gear. Prior to the Auto-Rx treatment, it used to always be very smooth with no RPM flutter. Once throttle is applied, there seems to be no problems, and no power loss, so it's not a big problem.
I am in no way implying Auto-Rx is the cause of this problem. Infact, I was thinking if any of you think this sounds like it could mean that I had some buildup on my rings and Auto-Rx is doing it's job correctly? If that is the case, about when should I see an improvement again from the clean rings? Otherwise, do you have any idea what it could be causing this?
Thanks in advance!
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2000 Mercury Grand Marquis LS [ pictures | videos ] Dual Flowmaster Delta 40s / J-Mod / PI Intake Manifold / Marauder Air Box / 80mm MAF CVPI Zip Tube / Ported & Polished Plenum / BBK 70mm / 93 Octane Tune / Steeda Underdrive Pulleys
I think it is probably the Arx doing its job. The ticking and engine stutters in my wifes Aztek got a lot worse before they got better. Almost to the point of her asking me if I new what I was doing by putting ll that "oil" in there.
Just a shot in the dark here, but have you ran any Fuel injector cleaner through the gas tank recently?
I remember Frank said to me that everything happens during the rinse phase, as far as the rough idle I would check any vaccum lines or hoses and if you have not already done so maybe change your PCV, when was the last time you changed your fuel filter, how many miles are on the car, maybe try a can of fuel injection cleaner like Amsoil PI or Redline Fuel Injection Cleaner, how is your EGR Valve. I would check these things 1st, also depending on the miles it maybe time to change your spark plugs, I have never heard of Auto-Rx causing rough idle, I have only experienced the opposite with incredible smoothness. When you had the transmission flushed did they change the filter and what kind of trans fluid did you use, hopefully it was Mercon V. Good luck and keep us posted.
If you know how to or ask someone you trust to use a 'On Board Diagnostic' - O.B.D. II for that vehicle which will pin points the problem, it's cheaper and quicker that way. HTH.
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1994 Ford Granada Scorpio Cosworth Automatic 2.9i V6 24valves
Thanks for the input. I actually just bought an ElmScan 5 OBD-II tool the other day for the heck of it. Waiting for it to come in.
As far as the other questions go, the car is at 76K miles. The spark plugs and fuel filter were replaced a year ago, about 10,000 miles ago. I keep a close eye on the vacuum lines and they all seem to be in good working order. The PCV valve looks clean too. I don't know about the EGR valve. I'm suspecting that may be a problem.
The transmission flush was done by the dealership using the T-Tec method. I do not believe they replaced the filter. It was filled using Mercon V. The fluid level seems high on the dipstick, however. When at running temperature and checked with engine running in park, the fluid level is at least an inch above the max mark. Could this be a problem, perhaps causing the engine to work harder than it should with the extra fluid? Should I drain the pan and refill it to the proper level?
I'm planning on spending a day on tearing down, cleaning, and rebuilding the top half of my engine block with a new intake manifold one of these days anyway. I plan then to clean all of the sensors, EGR, SeaFoam the cylinders, do a compression test, and replace the plugs.
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2000 Mercury Grand Marquis LS [ pictures | videos ] Dual Flowmaster Delta 40s / J-Mod / PI Intake Manifold / Marauder Air Box / 80mm MAF CVPI Zip Tube / Ported & Polished Plenum / BBK 70mm / 93 Octane Tune / Steeda Underdrive Pulleys
The transmission flush was done by the dealership using the T-Tec method. I do not believe they replaced the filter. It was filled using Mercon V. The fluid level seems high on the dipstick, however. When at running temperature and checked with engine running in park, the fluid level is at least an inch above the max mark. Could this be a problem.
It shouldn't be over the MAX mark on the Dip Stick with the engine running, I'd take it back and make them to do it correctly, after all you've paid then the final bill. HTH.
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1994 Ford Granada Scorpio Cosworth Automatic 2.9i V6 24valves
A follow up on this. I ran SeaFoam through my combustion chambers today and the idle seemed to smooth up noticeably. I can also feel there is more power on takeoff now. I still am in the middle of the Auto-RX rinse phase and plan to stick to the maintenance plan on this and my family's vehicles. Hopefully by the end of the rinse phase I'll get a few more horses and MPG back!
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2000 Mercury Grand Marquis LS [ pictures | videos ] Dual Flowmaster Delta 40s / J-Mod / PI Intake Manifold / Marauder Air Box / 80mm MAF CVPI Zip Tube / Ported & Polished Plenum / BBK 70mm / 93 Octane Tune / Steeda Underdrive Pulleys
By following the application you will get maximum production of your engine .Please post again after your finished your Auto-Rx Application and have 150 miles on your new oil with maintenance dose.
