Guest paulmac1968 Posted July 26, 2015 Share Posted July 26, 2015 When sitting idle and hot my idle is dropping to less than 500. When in gear the car has trouble not stalling because the idle drops so low. If I keep it running it runs smoothly. Is this just an idle adjustment issue? What's the proper way to adjust it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul2748 Posted July 27, 2015 Share Posted July 27, 2015 68 Bird? Does it idle smoothly? If so, just adjust the idle a little higher using the adle adjustment screw. If it's idling rough, it may be the idle mixture screws. Do you know what the factory recommendation is? You might want to look it up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NTX5467 Posted July 28, 2015 Share Posted July 28, 2015 There might be a double-diaphragm vacuum advance on the distributor that's letting the ignition timing retard too much when at idle, or is not functioning. Ford used some of those, but you might verify that your vehicle has one of those. Before I adjusted the idle speed, I'd make sure the engine's base timing is correct FIRST, adjust as necessary, then raise the idle a little IF it was still idling too slowly. Might just need another 50-75rpm, so long as the raise didn't make the idle speed in "N" too high that the engine "diesels" when you turn the ignition "Off". DON'T forget to check/replace the air filter element, if it might be causing the slower idle due to "clogging" from time/age/use. Plus check the PCV valve as it's sort of a "calibrated vacuum leak" that has the specific purpose of drawing crankcase fumes from there into the base of the engine's carburetor to "recycle" and burn them. Less flow, due to deposits inside of the valve, can mean less air entering the motor, just as an idle speed screw adjusted for a lower idle speed. Please advise of your progress. NTX5467 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now