Worse case Scenario: what is the most I would have to spend to fix an idle issue?

[newkid99]

I know Honda engines pretty well, I'm not good enough to rebuild one or anything but I am wondering what is the MOST I could expect to spend on fixing a idel problem on a b17 DOHC vtec? It goes from 1500rpm to 3000rpm and I'm just curious what the worse situation could be. I know it has a chipped computer so that could be it. I am buying it off Craigslist, so I haven't tried anything yet. But when I do see the car in person, I'm going to check for vacum leaks, then see if it is either of the idle control valves ( aicv or fast icv) If it's not any of those, then maybe the timing ( Don't know how to check that) if not the timing then a sensor. If not that ( worst case possible) its the newly installed computer chip. So what is the most it would cost to fix it?

 

[3Axis]

No one can really answer that question until you've gone through it all. Maybe it needs a new ECU, or a FITV or IACV or TPS or vacuum lines or MAP sensor or Oxygen sensor or throttle body gasket. Maybe the intake duct is fractured. I can only say the most expensive thing is the ECU.

 

[Rich-PMS]

Start by cleaning your iacv an fitv.

And make sure you screw the plastic piece all the way in the fitv

 

[3Axis]

What was it that operates the FITV? A pellet of beeswax?

 

[newkid99]

That was the first thing I was going to do, was make sure the FITV beeswax was in snug. I know that if its out too much it can mess with idel. And now I am thinking it is the iacv, because I learned that the idel fluctuates after it worms up. So I'll try the idel valves first, and hope it's one of those.