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3.8 ecotec rough idle problem found

01SS

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This post may help someone who is having issues with 3.8 v6 ecotec. I've been having some trouble finding the source of a rough idle in my 03 vy ecotec v6 for some time and have found the issue. It started as just a little burble at idle every now and then and kept getting worse. After changing all the easy items, plugs, leads, coil packs and ignition module, it was still idling like a cammed up ls. The problem was only at idle and fine when driving. After many hours searching the forums I removed the plastic cover and with a tin of throttle body cleaner sprayed around under the plenum until I found a spot where it changed the idle of the motor back to smooth momentarily.
After removing the gasket between the plenum and intake, I found the paint like covering has been cracked and leaking. After replacing the gasket and plenum cover o ring, back to a nice smooth idle.
I hope if someone is having the same problem that this may help too. Only a small crack in the lining but once replaced had my old girl singing like she used to.
 

commodore665

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This post may help someone who is having issues with 3.8 v6 ecotec. I've been having some trouble finding the source of a rough idle in my 03 vy ecotec v6 for some time and have found the issue. It started as just a little burble at idle every now and then and kept getting worse. After changing all the easy items, plugs, leads, coil packs and ignition module, it was still idling like a cammed up ls. The problem was only at idle and fine when driving. After many hours searching the forums I removed the plastic cover and with a tin of throttle body cleaner sprayed around under the plenum until I found a spot where it changed the idle of the motor back to smooth momentarily.
After removing the gasket between the plenum and intake, I found the paint like covering has been cracked and leaking. After replacing the gasket and plenum cover o ring, back to a nice smooth idle.
I hope if someone is having the same problem that this may help too. Only a small crack in the lining but once replaced had my old girl singing like she used to.

Good write up
 

01SS

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I forgot to mention that another item affected from the vacuum leak was the operation of the fan vents inside not switching between circulating, feet and windscreen settings. Even the gearbox was changing into converter lock up in overdrive a few km/h earlier.
 
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