Carburetor problem? Car won’t idle.

Discussion in 'Technical' started by theninja1011, Aug 19, 2019.

  1. theninja1011

    theninja1011 Member

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    Hey guys,
    I’m a bit new when it comes to carburetors and how to troubleshoot them. I have a 74’ maverick with a 1bbl carb. I recently put a new fuel tank and sending unit because of rust. The car turns over when putting gas in the carb. I made sure that the fuel pump was working and it is pumping gas quickly. The problem that happens is that the car won’t idle or stay running and it will die out. I assume this is the carburetor. Is there something I should test with it? I’m very new when it comes to adjusting the screws for the fuel mixture and not sure what to do with that. Any advice will help.
    Thank you.
     
  2. Crazy Larry

    Crazy Larry Member

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    Try replacing the fuel filter.
     
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  3. Krazy Comet

    Krazy Comet Tom

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    Check for vacuum leaks, a loose/broken hose can cause your exact problem. No doesn't mean carb doesn't have issues.

    If idle mixture screw is turned most of way in, that can also create a no idle problem.

    As far as fuel filter, if engine will run at part throttle, that ain't your problem.
     
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  4. theninja1011

    theninja1011 Member

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    I took the hose off connecting to the fuel filter and the fuel pump was working and pumping gas. I replaced the fuel filter after I let it sit for a bit. But the issue is still persistent. I’m not sure about the idle mixture screw though. Where is it on this carb? I have a Carter RBS carb on a 250. I’m not sure if I’d have to rebuild the carb or not because I think the backing plate wasn’t moving well. Would an auto parts store have a rebuild kit for it? Thank you so much for the suggestions. I’ll replace some more hoses and see if I find leaks in the line.
     
  5. Krazy Comet

    Krazy Comet Tom

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    The idle mixture adj is the angled screw by float bowl. One in pict has a bit of rust. One to left adj the idle speed.

    Most any idle mixture setting should start by closing valve(screw) & backing it out approx 1½ turns(engine off for this). From that point start engine and if it idles well enough to continue to run, adj in either direction that smooths out idle. If good idle cannot be achieved you can try increasing idle speed slightly, with maybe a half turn CW on speed adj.

    Adj should be made with engine warm.

    carterrbs.jpg
     
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  6. Doug

    Doug Member

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    You will need to rebuild the carb . If it has been sitting a long time then all the rubber parts and gaskets need replaced . I had the same issue and I bought the kit thru napa and a gallon pail of carb cleaner . I soaked the parts over nite and used air to blow them out . Ran great
     
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  7. mojo

    mojo "Everett"- Senior Citizen Supporting Member

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    I agree w/ prior post from Doug -- replace old gaskets and all other parts in kit relevant to your carb. You can still replace old vac hoses as you stated -- good idea.
     
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  8. theninja1011

    theninja1011 Member

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    Ok. Thank you for the guidance. At least I know what to look for. I’ll probably rebuild the carb anyway because it’s been sitting for a really long time. Like years. I’ll see if Napa will get me one and try to see if I could rebuild it sooner rather than later.
     
  9. Doug

    Doug Member

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    If you have trouble getting a kit I can get the number since I have access to pro link which gives me access to the napa part numbers
     
    Last edited: Aug 21, 2019
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  10. Krazy Comet

    Krazy Comet Tom

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    Yeeaaah, if it has set up for a long period of time, count on rebuilding or repling the carb.
     
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  11. rthomas771

    rthomas771 Member

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    Here is what my Autolite 1100 looked like. Carb was rebuilt about 9 years ago. I was driving the car every other weekend. I'm happy to say after the rebuild it runs a lot better than it use to.

    20190625_095441.jpg
     
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  12. Doug

    Doug Member

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    When you rebuild it pay attention to the jets . I ran a stiff wire thru them to make sure they were clean and smooth .
     
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  13. theninja1011

    theninja1011 Member

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    It may take some time before I'm able to get to it because of school out of state, but that will be the first thing on my list. I was researching around and heard about running a stiff wire through the jets. I appreciate all of the help, I will update this thread when the time comes.
     

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