fast idle WCFB

[Bob M.]

I have been unable to achieve fast idle on my '60, 270 hp. I have tried cleaning the Climate Control auto choke, adjusted the choke shaft as pictured in the Carter carb book (page 81), bent the fast idle tang and shortened the throttle linkage, all without success. What am I missing? The car starts easily. I know it is hot here in Texas, but I don't understand why it won't even start to go to fast idle. I have down loaded John Hinckley's picture from the Archives to use for comparison and unable to discern any difference. Any help would be apprieciated.

Bob

[Jack H.]

Re: fast idle WCFB

You do know that the first process in cold starting a carb based engine is to press the accelerator pedal ALL THE WAY to the floor to let the bi-metal based choke engage the fast idle mechanism right?

[Bob M.]

Re: fast idle WCFB

Jack, yes I do. This is my second dual four car. Everything I have tried over the last 2 months hasn't helped at all. If I could just get it to start to go to fast Idle I would know I am on the right track. I also want to thank you for your help with my 66, (I had a ground problem with my sending unit).
Bob

[Stuart F.]

Re: fast idle WCFB

Can you post a picture of your linkage?

Other than that, does the linkage work freely when moved manually? Can you over adjust the choke setting to rich to see if the added spring tension will set the linkage?

Some times the pull off piston gets gummed up and makes the mechanism stick. Other than that, if the linkage moves freely, you should be able to get a high idle set except for; one should not expect too much in the heat. I live in Florida so I know. I use an electric choke and set it to ensure I have enough tension to set mine even at 95* ambient as I often start up after a long sit. The electric I have uses a thermal sensor control so it dials the choke back real quick after startup (closes it and opens it).

Stu Fox

[Timothy B.]

Re: fast idle WCFB

I think Stu is on the right track with the pull off piston. Adjust the pull off piston with a paper clip like the book states and bent the rod so the choke opens .070" (read the instructions for a better description). If this is not right the vacuum pull on the piston will place the choke in the wrong position, maybe to closed or too far open.

Also, the choke coil could be bad not holding enough tension against the choke piston when vacuum acts on it. The proper placement for the choke coil spring is approx 68* air temperature and adjust rich/lean to where the choke plate JUST closes when air temp is 68.

[Clem Z.]

Re: fast idle WCFB

I have been unable to achieve fast idle on my '60, 270 hp. I have tried cleaning the Climate Control auto choke, adjusted the choke shaft as pictured in the Carter carb book (page 81), bent the fast idle tang and shortened the throttle linkage, all without success. What am I missing? The car starts easily. I know it is hot here in Texas, but I don't understand why it won't even start to go to fast idle. I have down loaded John Hinckley's picture from the Archives to use for comparison and unable to discern any difference. Any help would be apprieciated.

Bob

if the choke closes when cold and you have no fast idle you have something wrong with the linkage that moves the fast idle cam

[Bob M.]

Re: fast idle WCFB

Thank you everyone for posting with posible answers. When the sun comes up here I will try everthing suggested. I'll let you know how and if the problem is solved. It is 80 degrees in the morning here, plus putting the choke richer will be the answer like Stu suggested. Thanks again. Bob

[Bob M.]

Re: fast idle WCFB

I still didn't get fast idle. Looking at the fast idle cam it worked freely and set. To get the fast idle, it looks like I need to bend the fast idle adjusting tang more to hit the cam. I'm guessing, I need 1/8 more bend to hit the fast idle cam. Does this sound like to much bend? I will go slow on the bend, I don't want it to break off. Will it take that much bend?

[Stuart F.]

Re: fast idle WCFB

Bob;

Do you have any instructions to follow? To check your fast idle linkage adjustment; manually close the choke full closed with the throttle held slightly open. In that position, the fast idle set screw should line up with the line on the fast idle cam. Bend the link only enough to accomplish that. Once that is set correctly, then you'll have to determine why the choke coil is not pulling the link to that position. Check our previous posts for some possible reasons.

Stu Fox