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Can't get the idle down

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Old May 23, 2007 | 05:44 PM
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Default Can't get the idle down

I installed a new LT-1 350 but reused my Q-jet. I did punch out the caps over the mixture screws to give the new motor more gas. The old L48 ran lean. Now I can't get a the car to idle. I'm looking for 1000rpm's but it stays or revs on its own to 2000?? Once its hot I get it down but its like it has a mine of its own & floats up & down??
Any helpful advise.
Thanks
Jim
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Old May 23, 2007 | 06:53 PM
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You've probably already checked these but it was problems I ran into...

* Check for vacuum leaks. I use carb cleaner and spray around gaskets, etc.
* Idle screw all the way out?
* Check throttle cable adjustment. Mine was back a little far and held the throttle open a little.
* Is the cold idle coming off when hot? I had to make some adjustments to my cold idle speed too.
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Old May 23, 2007 | 07:01 PM
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Originally Posted by SS Racing
You've probably already checked these but it was problems I ran into...

* Check for vacuum leaks. I use carb cleaner and spray around gaskets, etc.
* Idle screw all the way out?
* Check throttle cable adjustment. Mine was back a little far and held the throttle open a little.
* Is the cold idle coming off when hot? I had to make some adjustments to my cold idle speed too.
I'll double check everything tomorrow. May have something to do w/the cold idle. To adjust should I do so when the motor is cold or hot?
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Old May 24, 2007 | 07:32 AM
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Originally Posted by Jims79
I installed a new LT-1 350 but reused my Q-jet. I did punch out the caps over the mixture screws to give the new motor more gas. The old L48 ran lean. Now I can't get a the car to idle. I'm looking for 1000rpm's but it stays or revs on its own to 2000?? Once its hot I get it down but its like it has a mine of its own & floats up & down??
Any helpful advise.
Thanks
Jim
Floating up/down after all other adjustments (including distributor repairs) have been checked is usually a sign of a worn throttle body... space between the throttle shaft and throttle body is too much... leaks air at random.
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Old May 24, 2007 | 07:41 AM
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Also make sure the secondarys are being held tightly closed.
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Old May 24, 2007 | 08:57 AM
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Originally Posted by Tom454
Floating up/down after all other adjustments (including distributor repairs) have been checked is usually a sign of a worn throttle body... space between the throttle shaft and throttle body is too much... leaks air at random.
Thanks Tom, I got this carb used. I guess this one came back to bite me.
Maybe I can get Lars to rebuilt it over the winter.
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Old May 24, 2007 | 09:45 AM
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Originally Posted by DWncchs
Also make sure the secondarys are being held tightly closed.

This came up in our tuning session. If I remember correctly, Lars tapped the secondary plates 3 times with a slotted screwdriver. Remember, 3 times only....
Joe
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Old May 24, 2007 | 09:48 AM
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Send it out and I'll take a look at it.

But if your idle is at 2000 rpm, you have something other than worn throttle shafts going on. A worn throttle shaft will typically cause an inconsistent return to idle, and you can get it to idle right by wiggling the throttle lever.

In order for the engine to idle at 2000 rpm, it has to be sucking the air and fuel from someplace. That air is either coming through the throttle blades due to the blades not fully closing (either primary or secondary side), or there is a vacuum leak allowing air into the engine. Check throttle linkage to make sure the linkage is not holding the throttle open. Check the primary throttle to make sure it actually fully closes when you back out the idle speed screw. Check the secondary throttle blades and make sure they are fully seated and sealed in the throttle bores - you can tap them with a screwdriver to seat them - 3 taps only, please... If all blades are fully closed and sealed in the bores and the engine is still running, you have a vacuum leak from some source.

Last edited by lars; May 24, 2007 at 09:50 AM.
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Old May 24, 2007 | 09:49 AM
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Originally Posted by 68coupe

This came up in our tuning session. If I remember correctly, Lars tapped the secondary plates 3 times with a slotted screwdriver. Remember, 3 times only....
Joe
But do you remember the magic words he used..............
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Old May 24, 2007 | 09:51 AM
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"Hey, Joe! Get me another beer and my hammer!!"
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