How Does One Go About Adjusting The Idle?

[Cory Wolfe]

So, on the Cutlass, I notice that it idles faster than what I would think it should. Having no tach, I can't be sure, but it sounds like it's idling between 1.5k and 2k RPMs. As well, when you shut it off, it continues to try to run. I've read that a fast idle can cause that. Does anyone know how the idle can be adjusted? Or any other causes for it to continue to run like that? Any help is appreciated.

[CMG]

Take a look at the carb linkage. When the throttle is applied it opens the throttle blades, so all you want to do is have the throttle blade close a little more. There should be a screw that keeps the linkage from sitting all the way back down, turn it counterclockwise and the idle should drop.

Have you checked your timing? (with the vacuum advance removed and plugged?)

The idle should be nowhere NEAR 1500 to 2000 rpm, it should be well below 1000, 750ish or so... too much advance can leave the car idling high too, and contribute to the dieseling (run on) when you turn the ignition off....

Try the timing if you can, the idle adjustment screw is right on the linkage of the carb near the driver's side base of the carb. There *might* be two- one for fast idle, one for idle when warm, you'll have to try, and remember- keep track of the turns in case you make a mistake.

DON'T turn idle mixture screws! They aren't on the linkage they are on the body of the carb.

[thegriffon]

What's a carb?

[thegriffon]

JK, but seriously, who has a carb these days? Unless you have a classic or are living in Russia or China, where are you going to come across a carburetored engine?

[Cory Wolfe]

Take a look at the carb linkage. When the throttle is applied it opens the throttle blades, so all you want to do is have the throttle blade close a little more. There should be a screw that keeps the linkage from sitting all the way back down, turn it counterclockwise and the idle should drop.

Have you checked your timing? (with the vacuum advance removed and plugged?)

The idle should be nowhere NEAR 1500 to 2000 rpm, it should be well below 1000, 750ish or so... too much advance can leave the car idling high too, and contribute to the dieseling (run on) when you turn the ignition off....

Try the timing if you can, the idle adjustment screw is right on the linkage of the carb near the driver's side base of the carb. There *might* be two- one for fast idle, one for idle when warm, you'll have to try, and remember- keep track of the turns in case you make a mistake.

DON'T turn idle mixture screws! They aren't on the linkage they are on the body of the carb.

Thanks. I'll look into it when I tighten the belts tomorrow.

[CMG]

JK, but seriously, who has a carb these days? Unless you have a classic or are living in Russia or China, where are you going to come across a carburetored engine?

Go to a race track, look around.

Lots of carbs out there still.

Russia or China?

LOL