1960 F.I. idle problem

[Don H.]

I have a 1960 with a 7017320 F.I. unit. After replating the air meter throttle valve shaft I am having trouble getting it to idle down. The plating has been removed from the shaft where it rides in the housing bushing and is very free. The throttle valve to body (housing) adjustment made. Various shims tried between the shaft top and the housing (This is a common fix for this problem to counter wear on the verticle shaft. The shaft was changed to horizontal on the 63-65 units). Etc, Etc . . This is the kicker, it is totally free on or off the unit but when the car is running it sticks and you can feel a bind. This bind is not there except when the car is running.

So far I have had two friends (one is a very good mechanic and the other is a machinist) look at it and we don't have a clue. Various theories about the vacuum when running but it was never a problem before. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Don H.

[Dennis C.]

Re: 1960 F.I. idle problem

Don, Let's just start with that shaft was not originally plated. The linkage piece on the top was - and then "attached"/peened to the shaft. It is probably the only part on a unit that is (almost) impossible to restore correctly.

The vertical shaft shims probably won't make too much difference.

Have you adjusted the lead sealed idle adjustment???

Talk to me... Best, Dennis

[Don H.]

Re: 1960 F.I. idle problem

Dennis, I think you are refering the throttle body to housing adjustment and yes I have set it many times and many ways. Thanks for any input, Don H.

[William C.]

Re: 1960 F.I. idle problem

Are you adjusting the idle speed via the bypass air adjustment, or do you have that screwed all the way closed?

[Don H.]

Re: 1960 F.I. idle problem

I can adjust the idle with the bypass air adjustment AFTER you get the throttle valve shaft back against the stop. That is the problem, the "bind" that only happens when the car is running. Don H.

[William C.]

Re: 1960 F.I. idle problem

Have you checked the airmeter face for flatness, the doghouse likewise and tried using a new gasket and a torque wrench to tighten the studs gently?