I previously had a 2.3l Lima and loved it. Now I have a 2.3l Duratech and haven't learned enough about it yet to diagnose anything.

On start up it idles about 1500 rpm and settles at about 1000 rpm for several minutes. Even after driving it will idle at just over 1000 rpm at a stop in neutral (manual trans). Put it in 1st with clutch depressed and idle stays high. When you let the clutch out, the load drops the rpm's so low it acts like it wants to stall and you have to get into the throttle quickly. I have to feather the clutch and throttle to keep from rear ending cars in front of me. After the engine is good and warm it idles closer to 600-700 rpm.

I haven't had a chance to do any real maintenance to this truck like I did my other truck. I'll start with the IAC (either a clean or replace) and a MAF cleaning.

Is this normal for idle rpm's at start up?

Thanks

__________________
Little Black Ranger: R.I.P Born-1997 Died-2018. 297k miles of good times. You will be missed.

Oh Deer: 2003 XL 2.3L 5-speed stick w/OD. Current mods: Body work after hitting a deer 12 hours after I bought it. Averaging 32 MPG on the highway.

I think you are on the right track. Can't speak directly to the 2.3, but the dohc 3.0 duratec will immediately idle at above 1200 when cold. It will then step down and when completely at operating temperature, idle @750.
Your description hints to me exactly what you suspect, the IAC may need a bit of cleaning. If the thermostat works properly, you should be up to temp and idling at normal rpms after 2-3 miles of driving. We dawdle out of the neighborhood, then drive 40-45 for a couple miles, and the engine is showing full normal on the gauge. Just over 2 miles and it's warmed. The oil is not fully heated, but the coolant is as the stat keeps it from circulating until it is hot enough.
tom

I had this exact problem on my truck. Originally a 2002 Duratec, it has a 2005 Duratec swapped in. Always idled high, and finally I had enough. I ended up swapping on the MAF from the junk 2002 motor (still the same MAF though) and it now idles at a cool 750rpm. Cleaning usually works, but if you want guaranteed success I'd recommend pulling one from another truck or buying a new one.

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk