So I'm having a difficult time diagnosing an engine problem I have been having lately. I have a 2003 with just under 132,000 miles on her.

Not too long ago started having idle problems. Not consistent but maybe 1/3 of the time while in idle (especially if I am in 4-5k rpm and drop into neutral) the RPM would not stop at idle and simple die, very smoothly by the way. Other times, it may drop to around 500rpm and the oil light will begin to light up or flicker (not flash like a bad CEL would) and go back to off when normal idle resumed. When driving I have limited power, everything is super smooth as always just seems like I'm pulling a huge trailer. For curiosity I tried pushing it and it cut out at around 7,500 rpm and felt like a fuel cut off. Fuel consumption is just about normal (maybe getting 10-15 miles less per tank than I always had on average) and no CEL helping me out with this one. I've checked the fuel pump and filter, both are clean and relatively new, intake air flow is good, good spark. I went to remove my catalytic converter (maybe it's mostly clogged?) but snapped the first bolt so waiting on new ones to come in (hopefully tomorrow morning) before I continue.

Unfortunately this is my daily (hopefully not much longer) so I haven't had the convenience of tearing her apart and examining piece by piece. Hope someone here has had a similar experience (maybe hope you have had this isn't the best thing to say) and can maybe at least point me in the correct direction.

Any real help will be highly appreciated guys.

Thanks
Paps

 

Have you tried doing a map wack? Unplug the map sensor with the engine on, spray with electric cleaner, rev engine up and down a bit while gently hitting the map sensor (no harder then you would hit yourself on the hand with a screw driver), plug in the map, clear the code, and test drive.

 

Tried a map wack, change plugs, had the valve seating checked, had it plugged into a full diagnoses check... nothing.

This doesn't look right though, just noticed it as I'm putting it all back together:

 

I'm confused.

Why did you remove the timing chain tensioner pivot bolt? Why is the exhaust manifold hanging loose?

Is the timing chain tensioner still in the engine or did parts fall to the bottom?

-- Chuck

 

Removed the head all the way?

 

Most idle problem I have seen were due to a disconnected, miss-routed or cracked vacuum line.

 

That looks like timing chain may have operated without tension, for awhile.