Numerous running issues!

[spacelucky17]

Ok I need some guidance as to the next step I should take to try and some running issues. First issue: Dies the first few times I start it when it is cold. Scan said something about low MAF reading. Unplugged MAF sensor, still dies. Replaced MAF sensor, still dies and throws the code, even though sensor is tested as good. Second issue: Oil pressure drops to 40 when my foot isn't on the gas, also idles rough and causes car to vibrate. Oil pressure switch is less than 2 months old (it had been non-functional for a while). Third issue: Loss of boost. Scan showed a bad boost control solenoid. Replaced it and the vacuum hoses. No change in boost, also noticed that the supercharger itself is a little noisy. Boo. Not sure what issue to address first, but I am about to pull my hair out and am tired of throwing my money in the pit!!

[Alpine_jake]

Well if it is at 40 lbs of oil pressure normally then your good. Thats about what they all run at. Maybe it needs a new BCA or a new ICM

[spacelucky17]

When I'm driving its at 80, drops to 40 when I stop, so which is normal? Or is it normal to vary?

[redzmonte]

sounds about right for oil pressure. As for the boost Solenoid code.. i would replace the solenoid itself, $26 on rock auto.

As for the poor idle i would start by soaking the intake manfiold where it meets the heads with brake fluid or TB cleaner to look for intake gasket leak.. sounds to me like its got a bad vac leak causing a bad idle. does the idle get better when the engine is warm? if it finds a leak the engine will change idle (rev up a little).. then you found your leak. does it have plastic intake gaskets or metal, you should be able to see them between the heads and the LIM (plastic are black, metal are Alluminum color)

[spacelucky17]

Yes the idle does improve when its warm. I have already replaced the boost control solenoid and the upper and lower intake manifold gaskets where replaced a year ago, but not sure with what kind. There is a small leak in the front valve cover gasket, is that a bad enough issue to cause the rough idle? And would that be related to it dying on start up in the morning?

[nos4blood70]

Yeah oil pressure is spot on. No worries there.

The leaky valve cover gasket should be addressed at some point, but it would not cause a rough idle. I would check all your ignition stuff. Coils, ICM, wires, and plugs. Are the sensors in your throttle body all clean and not sticking or otherwise plugged up with carbon?

What kind of noise is the supercharger making? If it sounds like marbles, then it's just your coupler.

[redzmonte]

What kind of intake gaskets are in there? did you spray them with brake cleaner to see if they are leaking? when the metal gets hot, it expands and closes the gaps and the engine runs smooth again... cools down, contracts and creats a leak and runs like poop. Try the brake cleaner trick a ignition miss would be all the time not just when cold i would think.

Sorry, missed that you replaced the BCS. only other thing that controls boost is the bypass valve on the blower next to the BSC. could explain the bad idle and lack of boost. do you have a small set of vicegrips? pull the bypass valve leaver all the way down and clamp it with the vice to hold it shut.. Now here is where you need to be carefull. run the car up the street, don't hammer it cause your boost control is locked to make boost. see if you make boost. if so, inspect the vac lines to the bypass valve and if its bad replace it. ZZP and other vendors sell the parts cheap.

Not sure if the BPV would cause a BCS code.... but somewhere to start without costing $$.



Hope this helps.

[redzmonte]

Apperently the BBV is closed when the car is off so you can lock the vise on the rod when the engine is off. this site helps explain: (toward the bottom)
http://www.3800supercharger.net/how.html

As for the noise, like mentioned above, if it sounds like marbles rolling around in there don't worry about it for now. get the other things fixed... the couple in the SC takes about 30-60 min to replace.. never seen one brake just sound like *shoot* when running, not going to hurt anything for now.

[spacelucky17]

Awesome, I will try that. Thanks so much!

[spacelucky17]

Well I clamped it with the vise grips in the off position and the car wouldn't start.... Not sure what I missed?

[spacelucky17]

Tomorrow I will get the break cleaner and try that too, my friend doesn't remember which kind got put in there!