I have a 97 taurus 6 cyl 3.0 single OHC engine. I recently used seafoam to clean out the innards of the car. I sucked some thru the PCV valve, waited 15 min, started the car and saw a ton of white carbon smoke come out the exhaust. Ever since doing that, when car idles in park or at a stop light, the rpm's will go from around 800rpm (normal idle) down to about 400rpm every 3 seconds until I start driving again. Just before the rpm dip, I hear a small click from i think the passenger side of the engine compartment. It doesn't idle low enough to kill the car, just enough to be a pain.

I had a mech friend tell me that using the seafoam may have losened carbon or debris and clogged the IAC valve. Any thoughts on that? Where in the heck is the IAC valve located on the 97 taurus and is it a pain to remove and clean with carb cleaner?

thx all

 

The IAC sits almost directly on top of the throttle body on your OHV 3.0 Taurus. 2 ten MM bolts and it's off. Replacement cost is about $50.

 

thx for the info. Once I opened my hood, it was right there sitting looking at me. I gave that IAC valve a good cleaning with carb cleaner and a little shot of wd-40 to keep it lose and it's working great. No more idle issues.

thx again