1960 Engine Idle Problem
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Orlando FL
1960 Engine Idle Problem
Hi All,
I'm a recent owner of a 1960 Corvette. I'm having problems with finding a satisfactory idle setting for the car. When I first start the car cold the motor revs very high, even after the choke has let up the car is idling over 1k. Maybe that's normal, but it seems high to me and it causes rough shifting on the automatic trans.
Then after the car is warmed up (driven for a mile or two) the idle drops down to less than 500 and eventually the motor stalls. The only way I can keep it going is to keep on the gas pedal when I bring it to a stop.
So my problem is I can't seem to find a good balance. Either the car is idling at 1500 when cold, or it idles down to a stall when warm. I can always keep a socket in the ash tray and adjust it every time I have it on the road, but I'd rather get it running right. I used to have a '69 vette that had a similar problem until I took it to a carb expert and had them rebuild the four barrel holley. This motor and carb is all stock off a 283/230 horse.
Any suggestions before I start looking for a good carb guy in my area that knows Carters??
I'm a recent owner of a 1960 Corvette. I'm having problems with finding a satisfactory idle setting for the car. When I first start the car cold the motor revs very high, even after the choke has let up the car is idling over 1k. Maybe that's normal, but it seems high to me and it causes rough shifting on the automatic trans.
Then after the car is warmed up (driven for a mile or two) the idle drops down to less than 500 and eventually the motor stalls. The only way I can keep it going is to keep on the gas pedal when I bring it to a stop.
So my problem is I can't seem to find a good balance. Either the car is idling at 1500 when cold, or it idles down to a stall when warm. I can always keep a socket in the ash tray and adjust it every time I have it on the road, but I'd rather get it running right. I used to have a '69 vette that had a similar problem until I took it to a carb expert and had them rebuild the four barrel holley. This motor and carb is all stock off a 283/230 horse.
Any suggestions before I start looking for a good carb guy in my area that knows Carters??
Pro
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 546
Likes: 4
From: Sebring Fl
Re: 1960 Engine Idle Problem (tedbill)
If I remember right you have two different adjustments here. First set the reg idle with a screwdriver when the engine is warm. The fast idle from the choke can be slowed down by bending the rod that moves when the choke is on so it doesntr move rorward quite so much. Don't adjust the rod that opens the choke plate. It's the other one you need to change. Hope this helps. Save the Wave. :seeya
