RE: IML: 1961 Imperial Idling problem

[David Whitney <david.whitney@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi, Anthony --

Sounds like you still have carb issues, as Tom pointed out.  High idle
speed should be in the neighborhood of 1750-2000 rpm, which will sound
waaaaaay to fast if you're not used to it.  Purring it's not, but don't
worry.  It won't hurt the engine.  Adjust high idle mixture for maximum
vacuum at the proper rpm.  Gas is coming through the primary circuit into
the carb.

When the engine warms up and the choke releases, you should be in the
neighborhood of 600-700 rpm.  Now you're purring.

At this point, your primary and secondary throttle plates should be
completely closed.  The gas from the idle circuit goes in below the primary
throttle plates.  Check your accelerator linkage to be sure there is no
tension holding the plates open and that the rod controlling their angle is
not binding.  If the plates are open, the carb perceives manifold vacuum
and will try to send gas through the primary circuit.  That could be why
your "idle" speed won't drop, because the carb thinks you are holding light
throttle and is sending gas through the primary circuit.

When the throttle plates are completely closed, the idle circuit is just a
little dribble that's sensitive to air pressure.  Air/fuel ratio is
extremely important here.  If your air bleed passages are not clear, you
could starve the engine or prevent fuel from properly atomizing and cause a
stall.  The idle circuit is vacuum sensitive.  You say you replaced vacuum
lines, but is there any evidence of manifold vacuum leaks through a gasket,
crack or unfilled bolt hole?

In addition, timing problems that are not evident at 2000 rpm become an
issue at 600 rpm.  But you'll have to get the carb properly adjusted first.

Carter actually recommends immersing the entire assembly in carb cleaner
and letting it soak.  If you can't do that, you can use cleaner in a spray
can to clear all those little air passages and follow up with canned or
compressed air.

Okay, I wrote too much.  When your carburetor has issues, once they're
fixed it's like falling in love with your car all over again.  Oooooh,
baby!

Enjoy,

David


                                                                                                                                              
                      "TomChoice"                                                                                                             
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Anthony,

Sounds like when she starts, the choke/fast idle is kicking on like it
should, then when it warms up, the main idle screw is not set in far
enough,
or the idle mixture is set wrong. This is just one possibility, but the
most
common one. It could also be that the idle circuit in the carburetor has
gum
or varnish in it, from sitting. A carb rebuild may not necessarily cure
this
without a good cleaning of the idle circuit passageways.

Tom



-----Original Message-----
From: mailing-list-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:mailing-list-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]On Behalf Of
alacaria@xxxxxxxxx
Sent: Thursday, January 13, 2005 4:13 PM
To: mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: IML: 1961 Imperial Idling problem


Hi;

I have a 1961 Imperial. It had set for over 20 years in a building. I have
a idling problem. I have had the gas tank cleaned and sealed and replaced
the metal gas line, fuel pump and fuel bowl. I have rebuilt the carburetor
and had it checked by another mechanic. I have replaced the plugs, wires,
points dist cap and rotor, vacuum lines and had the starter rebuilt.

Here is the situation.

It starts right up and sounds powerful and smooth but idles too high. I
cannot get the idle down. When it does warm up it will stall and then shut
off. Up to that point it runs very nicely powerful and very smooth.

Does anyone have any ideas?

Anthony



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