Sorry Guys! I forgot to update you on this! I ended up testing the O2 sensor, it must have gotten trashed from all the build up of running rich. I also tested the CTS, even though it was new, it was way out of spec and jumping all over the place..I ran it warm, without the CTS hooked up and the symptoms disappeared. This is why it was misbehaving in both open and closed loop. Runs like a champ now. So, if anyone has these symptoms, check your O2 sensor and CTS as the culprits. Perform the tests that were posted on this thread, they work and they're free! The process of diagnosing this also gave me a great opportunity to do some maintenance, such as; ground refreshing, cleaning the C101 connector, replaced cracked vacuum hoses, testing all of the other sensors, modifying the CPS for a better reading off the flywheel, TPS adjustment and much more. This was a great trouble shooting thread that I hope others will find useful. Thank you to everyone who gave their input.. commence chest pounding!

 

Thank you for your valuable feedback.

 

WELL DONE! ......... ...

 

HAHAHA!! Thanks Don, hope all is well.

 

Waz just looking. Unplugging the CTS got mentioned in post #8, Allong with plenty of other distracting stuff...Glad you got it. Happy trails!

 

Yes, I do remember unplugging the CTS early on. I think due to other issues that were going on, I didnt catch it. Now I'm having fun trying to purge the air out of the cooling system... It's always something!

 

Here's what the FSM says about "purging" the system. Do you use the 703-1396 cap from Napa?



Check this out from the FSM

This system does not have a radiator pressure cap. Instead the pressure cap is mounted on the coolant pressure bottle. System coolant flows directly through a fully pressurized Hot-Type expansion bottle. Coolant flows through the pressure bottle at all times during engine operation whether the engine is cold or at normal operating temperatures.


Larger coolant volume caused by thermal expansion during engine operation is absorbed by the expansion chamber in the bottle. Air trapped in the system is purged through the pressure cap vent valve during maximum coolant expansion..

 

In my "normal" parking spot, my front is about a foot higher that the rear. With the vent in the T-stat up at the 12:00 position, air can come up out of the block to the lines. Since it's not real steep, it can then go up out the (open) bottle filler.

I just let it warm up and topped to 1/2 the bottle. (it needs to be 1/2 empty for air there to compress). Then I check it again over the next day or two..

 

Yes. With the coolant level at the top of the spout/whatever in the bottle, it will self bleed.