The ultimate display in PO (and CO) dumbassery my friends.

I finally figured out why my car idles like crap.

Today I went hunting for my PCV valve, I figured I should check to see if it was making good vacuum or not.

On the course of this little expedition I discovered a hose that didn't really go anywhere... It was painted the same color as the body, which meant that it had probably just been resting against the sidewalls of the engine-bay (at least since the car was last repainted in the late 80's.

And I thought "Gee, that's kinda funny, hoses coming off of the engine usually connect to things."

So I followed it, and sure enough I discovered the PCV valve... I was in utter disbelief... what kind of dumbasses (referring to two previous owners) wouldn't notice a disconnected PCV valve?

So I started up my car and felt the hose, and sure enough there was a bit of a vacuum, not a lot, but some. I covered up the hose with my thumb, and boom, my idle suddenly jumped from an unsteady 800 to a very strong 1200, instantly! ... So someone in the past noticed the low idle after the hose came loose, and instead of inspecting the PCV valve... simply twisted out the idle screw... great...

So naturally, I reconnected the hose, screwed in the idle adjust to bring it back to 800... and I have never been more thrilled in my life. The engine actually idles without the tach bouncing! AMAZING! ... to say nothing about when I opened 'er up on the highway... heheh...

I'm gonna shoot some carbie cleaner into the PCV valve later to see if I can make it "whistle" like I guess it ought to.

I also can't wait to see the exhaust when I fire it up cold. My Z is a notorious smoker... she likes to smoke when she's cold (be it a hint of burning oil mixed with a slightly over-rich fuel mixture)...

... Anyone else care to relate their PO "horror stories?"

Oh, I forgot, check these out.

Fantastic. That's one of the best.

This ought to help your emmissions...if your state requires them...like scummy old Illinois.

I can't believe it's been disconnected for that long...that truly is

A GREAT EXPERIMENT IN PREVIOUS OWNER DUMBASSERY

I believe you may have coined a new term: PREVIOUS OWNER DUMBASSERY

Now we just need to get it to the post where all the acronyms are being listed....

E

  EScanlon said:

I believe you may have coined a new term: PREVIOUS OWNER DUMBASSERY

Now we just need to get it to the post where all the acronyms are being listed....

E

What about CO: CURRENT OWNER DUMBASSERY?

  MikeW said:

What about CO: CURRENT OWNER DUMBASSERY?

Hey that happens too!

I've had the car for over a year and I just noticed it today.

... even more, it completely slipped by the 4 or 5 Z-guys from ZOOM who've looked under my hood! ...

Amazing.

... and I would be honored to have my phrase inducted into the master list of acronyms... should others deem it worthy.

POD/COD

... both already exist though... POD is like a band or something... and COD is Cash on Delivery... could get confusing IMO.

  MikeW said:

What about CO: CURRENT OWNER DUMBASSERY?

Hey Mike,

Is that for those of us who mushroom a spindle pin?

Chris A.

I better go check my PCV thingy. The hose feels ok, but the valve is something else.

My suggestion is pOD/cOD

  ChrisA said:

Hey Mike,

Is that for those of us who mushroom a spindle pin?

Chris A.

I guess so because I've done that myself. I've even got the mushroomed pin on a shelf in my office to prove it. When I think of this category I tend to first go with wiring problems and improperly used Bondo. While I've never knowingly butchered any of my wiring I do admit to putting some Bondo on my car 20 years ago when I was 18 and didn't know any better. It's since been replaced by properly welded patch panels.

  MikeW said:

It's since been replaced by properly welded patch panels.

So you'll come and do mine for steak and beer?

My COD is leaving the right front strut gland nut loose.

Does this qualify as PO dumbassery? Not sure why it's there yet......

.

.

  =Enigma= said:

Does this qualify as PO dumbassery? Not sure why it's there yet......

Holy crap Adam, I don't even know what to say about that................