Idle problems

Davesub · Post by **Davesub** » Wed Dec 13, 2006 5:20 pm

Hi all,
I have an 83 with a stock 3A with 245k on the clock.

When the engine is cold the high idle is ok and the engine runs fine.

When the high idle kicks off and the engine is still not up to temp it will die on idle.

When the engine has been run for awhile and up to temp it idles just fine again.

It only dies in between initial startup high idle and when it is up to full operating temp.

I checked all the vacuum lines and there correct and have done a sea foam treatment to see if that help but it didnt. Any ideas?

Jts · Post by **Jts** » Thu Dec 14, 2006 3:53 am

what does the car idle at when warm and how long do you give it before it you kick it down to the low idle?

Davesub · Post by **Davesub** » Thu Dec 14, 2006 6:01 pm

It idles about 1400 on high idle. If I let it run 10 minutes or so then hit the gas it unlocks and the idle will drop to about 890-910. If I take off and drive the idle will die until the engine is really warmed up then it will idle again 890-910. It jumps around a bit.

takza · Post by **takza** » Thu Dec 14, 2006 7:30 pm

I've had about the same problem...but recently installed a manual choke...so now the problem is gone...I think.

It might have to do with the choke unloader or ???

Jts · Post by **Jts** » Sat Dec 16, 2006 12:16 am

well, a good short term fix would be to go and set the warm idle higher, to say 1100-1200 rpm. This is easily 10 second job with a screwdriver. My car, which idles at 900 when warm and 1500 when cold, will die if i kick down to hot idle too soon (0-15 seconds) There could be some other problems with your vacuum/choke/emissions system thats causing it. Or it could be the fact its an old carb'ed car. Its hard to tell. Try raising the warm idle speed first maybe?