High idle, white smoke

Post by **xtrattitude4u** » 24 Sep 2010, 12:01

98 S70 2.4l N/A 164,000

3 days ago my car was idling around 1200 after fully warm. I gave it a rev to see if it would drop and a big white cloud shot out the exhaust. The next day it idled a little lower, then dropped to normal (900).
Hasn't done it again so far.

Things I've replaced recently:

Entire PCV system
MAF (used)
Upstream O2 sensor (OEM)
Plugs, Wires, Cap, Rotor, Coil, K&N Air filter
Thermostat

I have a couple vac elbows in need of replacement soon. Could that be it?

Post by **charlyW** » 24 Sep 2010, 16:11

How long ago did you replace the PCV ? The engine might be burning off any condensation built up in the engine. Check to see if you have any engine codes from around the MAF or O2 codes and of course check to see if you have nasty white gloop under the oil cap

Post by **xtrattitude4u** » 02 Oct 2010, 00:22

The PCV was done like 6 months ago, so I don't think it's anything to do with it. Have been checking the oil constantly due to coolant loss, and theres no goop or anything strange. turns out it was the heater core.

I think the high idle may not be related to the smoke. Yesterday it was idling perfect, but still the smoke.
My car does have 165,000 miles on it, maybe the smoke is just valve guides.
When I changed my spark plugs last, I noticed MUCH oil under the ignition cover. Is this a clue?
Any suggestions would be great. I am a novice self-mechanic and will test anything you guys suggest.

I don't have a check engine light on and haven't for awhile.

Post by **xtrattitude4u** » 10 Oct 2010, 12:54

I have cleaned my IAC thoroughly and adjusted the throttle cable.
Although the throttle is more responsive, the car still idles high sometimes.
The problem seems to be getting worse: it will now rarely idle normally after being warmed up and driven.
The idle seems to fluctuate from day to day. It will be at 1200 some days, 1050 at others, and around 950 when it's being good.
It will idle at 900 a couple minutes after starting, but usually it will idle high when parked after driving awhile.
It idles at a normal 900 when in gear.
Please let me know what are the next thing(s) I need to check.
Thank you

Post by **xtrattitude4u** » 11 Oct 2010, 14:42

I have thoroughly cleaned the MAF with MAf cleaner and replaced some vac elbows and and caps.
Still idling high.
The only ideas I have left are to pay the stealership to test my MAF and do a smoke test on the vacuum system.
I would probably be too broke to try much else after that for awhile.
I've recently replaced:
Plugs, wires, cap & rotor, Ign coil, Fuel filter, Fuel pressure reg,
PCV system, front O2 sensor, MAF (used)
As you can tell I've replaced most everything I can think of.
Any suggestions would be great.

Post by **confused_al** » 11 Oct 2010, 15:05

There is a remote possibility that your intake manifold is leaking a bit, not b/c cracked manifold but around the gasket. That would caused high idle issues. You mentioned you did PCV earlier, did you torqued all the bolts?

FCPEURO · Post by **FCPEURO** » 11 Oct 2010, 16:46

Have you done a compression test just to make sure it is not a head gasket? The smoke could be either a head gasket or bad turbo seals. I have not seen guide seals going bad at 165K but I guess it is possible.

Post by **xtrattitude4u** » 12 Oct 2010, 17:34

FCPGroton wrote:Have you done a compression test just to make sure it is not a head gasket? The smoke could be either a head gasket or bad turbo seals. I have not seen guide seals going bad at 165K but I guess it is possible.

Non turbo. I have done a compression test and all cylinders were within 2psi of each other so that looks good.
I think I found my problem. While sitting in the drive thru I put my foot under the gas pedal and pulled it back a little.
Idle returned to normal. I think I just need to adjust it.
Ive already adjusted the plastic nut on the throttle, were would I adjust the pedal?
As for the smoke, I'm still not sure. It's a very intermittent problem, only showing up a couple times a week.

Post by **xtrattitude4u** » 13 Oct 2010, 14:10

Well it seems I have two problems, When the idle is 1200 it will only drop to 1100 (or not at all) when i pull up on the pedal.
I love my Volvo, but I don't think it loves me!

Post by **xtrattitude4u** » 12 Nov 2010, 09:34

The smoke went away after a Seafoam treatment. It also made my car run better.
The high idle however, remains.