Stumbling Idle Cold Start Fuel Injectors Cleaned | FerrariChat

Stumbling Idle Cold Start Fuel Injectors Cleaned

Discussion in '360/430' started by Pete Schweaty, Sep 30, 2025 at 1:53 PM.

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  1. Pete Schweaty

    Pete Schweaty Formula Junior

    May 21, 2014
    309
    Hey all, I just wanted to put it here for search purposes in case anyone has the same issue in the future. Several months ago, I noticed that after the car (2005 f430) had sat overnight, it would stumble on startup for about 5 seconds. The idle would search up and down (almost like a gallop). It would then settle down before the CEL light went off. It would only do it if I started the car after it had been sitting for about 12 plus hours. At the suggestion of someone here, I pulled the injectors and had them cleaned and flow tested. I was disappointed when they all passed and didn't drip during the test as I thought I would have the same issue upon reinstallation. Fortunately, whatever the issue was, the cleaning (or replacing all the o rings) fixed it. Its been about a week and the car fires up and idles perfectly every time now. It only cost about $20 per injector and a local shop did it in about 6 hours. If you come across a similar problem, take a look at your injectors!

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  2. flash32

    flash32 F1 Veteran

    Aug 22, 2008
    7,117
    Central NJ
    Full Name:
    Dominick
    Good to hear ..but could it have been the throttle body relearn that made the difference
     
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  3. Pete Schweaty

    Pete Schweaty Formula Junior

    May 21, 2014
    309
    Does that happen automatically when you unplug the injectors? Also, would it only happen the first start of the day? The cold start condition didn't seem to cause it, it would only happen if it sat overnight or for more than about 24 hours.
     
  4. flash32

    flash32 F1 Veteran

    Aug 22, 2008
    7,117
    Central NJ
    Full Name:
    Dominick
    The ECU relearns since the battery is disconnected
    Did you disconnect battery to remove injectors..or use shut off
     
  5. Pete Schweaty

    Pete Schweaty Formula Junior

    May 21, 2014
    309
    LOL, neither. I just disconnected them.
     
  6. flash32

    flash32 F1 Veteran

    Aug 22, 2008
    7,117
    Central NJ
    Full Name:
    Dominick
    I guess I was wrong then..sorry ..I assumed you disconnected battery when working in engine bay
     
  7. CoreyNJ

    CoreyNJ F1 Rookie
    Silver Subscribed

    Apr 17, 2006
    2,534
    New Jersey Shore
    Did you have a gas smell before? Maybe the seals were not working correctly, and now they are.
     
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  8. Pete Schweaty

    Pete Schweaty Formula Junior

    May 21, 2014
    309
    I definitely should have since the fuel lines were open, but I was just super careful not to accidentally switch the ignition on. Not the smartest . . . but no catastrophe.

    That's my guess, the old O-Rings were probably shot. I had no fuel smell before or after though. Whatever it was . . . it seems to have worked.
     
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