99 max ,146k miles, original owner, no mods (I wish I had some! but its the wives driver) no major repairs.
I have a very slight starting issue, that goes away if I put a .025 feeler gage into the throttle stop area (where the red dot is) to essentially crack open the throttle. 5 times I have done it its started great just like old days.
Please help.
1. on the side of the throttle body where the cruise cable and the accelerator cable connect- with the throttle closed (no foot on pedal) should there be any clearance between the "part that moves when u step on the gas" and the throttle body idle stop screw (one with the red paint on it). mine I thought in the past always closed tight together but maybe not- mine now I can get a 0.010 feeler gage in, and I have the starting issue. BUT If I put a 0.025 feeler gage into that point (this essentially cracks open the throttle plate about 0.015) the car then starts fine. (at least on 5 attempts).
I wish I knew the right terms for these parts.
what sets idle speed or the throttle plate position when the starter is first cranked?- this red screw or an electronic part
hope this question makes sense

 

Check out the EC section in the FSM, page EC-31 for checking the fast idle cam setting. I think this is what you're describing. Someone please feel free to correct me if I'm wrong. FSM is in my signature.

When is the last time you cleaned the inside of the TB and IACV? When I bought my Max many years ago it had a slight starting problem. Cleaning the TB and IACV solved my problem.

 

I had a mechanic I have used for years (runs a 3 man shop) clean it last week but it did not fix this problem. I think they sprayed and wiped.
I had this slow starting at 100k and at 120K and both times then it was fixed by a throttle body cleaning.

why would cracking the throttle with a feeler gage allow it to start ok?

this cracking open of throttle works(gives a quick start) both hot and cold.
what is that diagnostic of?

 

Replace your fuel pressure regulator.

 

Cracking the throttle plate to start the engine, to me would suggest you need more air to support combustion (ie to rich of an AF mixture) to start. Are you confident your shop thoroughly cleaned your throttle body.? What's you air filter look like? It's not that big of a deal to clean the throttle body yourself and there are documented DIYs in the stickies. I can of carb/choke cleaner an old tooth brush and shop towels and Bob's your uncle. If you wanted to get real serious you can pull the throttle body off the plenum and really scrub her down. If you do this pick up a new throttle body gasket.

Curb idle is set off the black plastic phillips headed screw looking adjuster on your IACV (idle air control valve) on the right side of your throttle body closer to the fire wall. Only adjust this once the motor is up to operating temp. AIRC curb idle speed is 750-800 rpms but check your service manual or FSM to be for certain.

 

^^^ Both of these items ^^^