Ok, so I still havent replaced the IMF gasket however it now doesn't rev as high as before, to about 1000 now. Its gotten a lot colder here too and is well below freezing without much difference in performance. My question now is why wouldn't my check engine light be on if it is the Intake Manifold Gasket leaking. My gas mileage checks in at almost 30mpg. The toyota dealership quoted me 2 hours labor to replace which would amount to about 250 bucks. Just looking for advice before I go spending money because I don't have very much of it. Thanks,
Andrew
My intake manifold gasket was causing my high idle (and surging when cold) 2000-2200 RPM on cold days I checked my idle air valve and it wasn't gummed up it was a bit dirty but moving freely. once i changed the gasket my car Is completely normal on a cold start no more high rev or surging.
Your idle is much lower than mine. In my opinion there's a good chance its the gasket or the idle air valve gummed up . The gasket should be 15-20 dollars CAD ,the idle air can be had for 40-70 Cad depending on if you get oem or not.. The idle air valve can also be cleaned and reused (videos on youtube). If you search how to replace the intake manifold gasket on youtube its not that big of a deal it took me only 45 minutes and i have never done it before , you only need a few different sized sockets and an extension. 10 MM and 12 mm i believe if you do not remove the throttle body but if you want the shop to do the gasket install .for $250 for the gasket install then your getting ripped off it should not take them over an hour labor to do it ,id say 30 mins tops for a competent mechanic. in his defense he may have just been covering his bases in case it involves more work than he thought.