Phil: Changed the coolant temp sensor today and it was not as big a deal as I thought it was. I didn't remove the tire or wheel-well but instead just reached up in there, put the socket on first, then the wrachet. The new one went in as easily as the old one came out. But the bummer of the whole thing is....IT DIDN'T MAKE ANY DIFFERENCE... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Bigpoppa: Thanx for the input. I hadn't even thought of thread tape but thanx for the heads-up. It's good info to store away in my already befuddled mind.

A.T.: I was looking for the Fast Idle Solenoid today as well as the VSV (Vacuum Switching Valve, though I'm sure you already knew that). My idle was really slow...it was alternating between 600 - 800....bouncing up and down like a yo-yo. When in gear it would drop even lower and I would have to put it into neutral at the lights. In park or neutral it idles at 900 - 1000 and a little steadier. So I got to thinking that maybe I should adjust the idle but Haynes says to disconnect the VSV right? And I think the FIS too. But damn it, the pic in the book looks nothing like mine. Chapter 1, page 25, illustration 37.5 I believe. It's at the top-left of page 25. The bracket they show where the VSV is supposed to be...my bracket is empty...just a bunch of holes. There is no little white plug to disconnect, and no VSV. I didn't have access to All-Data today to see what the hell is going on. So against better judgement, I adjusted the idle screw anyways....it went 5 FULL turns counterclockwise just to get it to idle at 900-1000. But it still drops to 600-700 in drive or reverse. I would like to adjust those things properly but I need a pic of something that looks like my truck. I do have multiport fuel injection, and a pressure regulator (brand new one since I thought that might have been the problem). The sniffer test (Exhaust Gas Analyzer) said I am running rich..very rich..once at op temp. I haven't reached the end of my rope yet but I'm only hanging on by a thread. With my teeth, I think. Hard to drink a beer with a rope in your mouth. And I think I need one 'bout now. Anyways, to end this short story. The next thing I am gonna do is the first thing I wanted to check. I will drop the tank one more time and double check the return line on the fuel pump assembly. I've had some trouble with it before and it's possible that not enough fuel is being sent back to the tank which would leave too much at the engine thereby making it run rich right? Don't think about it, just say "Right!".

Thanks for your input...If you have any helpful pics for me....please send them my way.