1973 Fast Idle Stalling Issue

[Timothy K.]

Morning All-

Looking for any ideas on rectifying a stalling issue w/ my '73 when I start it cold. It goes to fast idle just fine but with a couple of seconds it 'peters out' and stalls. Yesterday it happened 4 times in a row and the only way I could get it to warm up, was to do it manually. It always did this once and on the second restart, it would go to fast idle as it should but now it takes numerous attempts. When the engine is at operating temp, it runs just fine. The carb and related components (choke, TCS, etc) are factory originals.

Not a show stopping issue but it's getting worse and just want to fix it and have it operate as it should-

Any ideas would be appreciate it and thanks-
Tim

[Patrick H.]

Re: 1973 Fast Idle Stalling Issue

the only way I could get it to warm up, was to do it manually.

What "it" are you doing manually?

Have you checked the fuel filter in the carb?
Have you looked in the gas tank at the filter/sock on the fuel line to be sure it is not clogged?

It sounds to me like it is running out of fuel.
Check for obstructions at the two filters first as they're easiest to check.

[Duke W.]

Re: 1973 Fast Idle Stalling Issue

Get out your CSM and read through the Q-jet section. Pay particular attention to all the components that are associated with the cold start and warm up system. The Q-jet likely has an external choke vacuum break diaphragm. Does it hold vacuum and is the choke valve properly adjusted?

If the engine operates normally when fully warmed up that would indicate no vacuum leaks, but if as you say everything is original, all those elastomeric components are now nearly 50 years old, and they should be thoroughly inspected.

Duke

[Edward J.]