1G Oil leak and climbing idle (past 4k)

[DSM_Thorpe]

I recently purchased a 1993 N/T 2.0 Talon over the summer. It appears to have a 6 bolt swap (non turbo) and a KF5M332SPZS trans. I’ve just recently replaced the clutch. I pulled the motor and trans and put it back in and it’s started up fine but had a high idle of around 2200 rpm after it was warmed up, I started it up again today to just let it run since it’s been a minute but the idle kept climbing and climbing so I shut the car off and started it again and it instantly flung up to 4k and I instantly shut it off. I looked over the motor to see if anything was maybe disconnected or loose and I saw nothing except for oil appearing to be leaking from the headgasket on the transmission side (that corner where a little bit of the headgasket pokes out from) any ideas on what might be causing this kinda leak or the high idle? I’ve been looking around I have seen people say a bad headgasket possibly or maybe the headbolts were never torqued down properly. I don’t know much history on the maintenance on this car prior to me owning it. But when I picked the car up these were never issues. Only problem was a bad clutch and leaky brake lines. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

(Apologies for the lengthy message)

- James

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

 

[pauleyman]

I recently purchased a 1993 N/T 2.0 Talon over the summer. It appears to have a 6 bolt swap (non turbo) and a KF5M332SPZS trans. I’ve just recently replaced the clutch. I pulled the motor and trans and put it back in and it’s started up fine but had a high idle of around 2200 rpm after it was warmed up, I started it up again today to just let it run since it’s been a minute but the idle kept climbing and climbing so I shut the car off and started it again and it instantly flung up to 4k and I instantly shut it off. I looked over the motor to see if anything was maybe disconnected or loose and I saw nothing except for oil appearing to be leaking from the headgasket on the transmission side (that corner where a little bit of the headgasket pokes out from) any ideas on what might be causing this kinda leak or the high idle? I’ve been looking around I have seen people say a bad headgasket possibly or maybe the headbolts were never torqued down properly. I don’t know much history on the maintenance on this car prior to me owning it. But when I picked the car up these were never issues. Only problem was a bad clutch and leaky brake lines. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

(Apologies for the lengthy message)

- James

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

Put your thumb on the throttle plate arm and see if you can push it closed. If all systems are working correctly ecu won't let car go above 1500rpm at closed throttle. So either the throttle isn't really closed or you have other issues in the idle circuit.

 

[MoparJP]

I had the same problem with my 1991 Laser. It turned out to be the timing was off.I got it back to within specs, now it runs good and doesn't leak oil. You have some grounding to do in order to time it, but once you do that, good to go.

 

[midoko]

WRT Paul's comment, check the tension adjustment for the throttle cable where it bolts to the intake manifold. Once, mine was too taut, causing the engine to idle way high. The service manual has whole procedure for adjusting it, including cruise control if you have it. This picture is of 90/91 but yours is likely similar.

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

On a side note, it doesn't look like your transmission is snug against the engine, i.e., like the top bolt(s) is/are missing? It can cause the housing to crack.