Idle learning curve

Rich Largent

Rich Largent

Member
I'm the fellow who posted "mine won't start either" and thanks to so many of you taking the time to counsel this newbie Model A'r I got her running today. Seems as though it was gas problem and possibly fuel/air thing as it took flooring the accelerator to get it to light. Once lit it runs quite smoothly but does not have a steady idle. I haven't fooled with the idle air screw (currently 1-1/2 turns out from all in), only with the idle screw on the throttle shaft. Although it appears tight I see some gas seepage at start up around the throtle shaft. This disappears as the engine warms up. Any suggestions for fine tuning the idle?
 
Not sure about smoothly idle or for that matter if you should even try to adjust it until you clean it. I use to have same issue every few months, but after I started putting Sta-Fuel (or Blue Sta-Fuel for Alcohol added fuels) in the fuel. Now it can sit all winter and starts right up. Good Luck.

D
 
How long do you crank with the choke pulled? On my car I hit the starter then pull and release the choe and it fires right off. If the engine is warm no choke is used. I turn the gas adjustment knob about a turn open when cold, and close it after a minute.
 
I'll second Tom's comment about careful use of the choke; it doesn't take much to flood an up-draft carb.

Starting with a stone-cold engine, I pull the hand throttle down until I see/feel the accelerator pedal move about 1/4" towards the floor. Then I open the gas knob about 1 turn, then pull the choke all the way and hold. Step on the starter. As soon as the engine fires / coughs, I release the choke knob and make sure it is all the way in. Usually, the engine fires within 3 to 5 grunts of the starter.
 
you only need to choke for 1 or 2 revolutions at the most, otherwise you will cause flooding and wet plugs.
 
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