rough idle question

[Guest]

Hi everyone, I've decided that I want to start working on my own car, so I have a question about a recent idling problem.

Last week, I drove my thunderbird for a good hour or two throughout the day, and it ran perfectly. Today when I drove it, it felt like it was going to die out at every stop light. When stopped, I put it in neutral and reved the engine up to make sure I could get home ok.

Anyway, I wanted some opinions on possible problems. Is it likely that all I have to do is adjust the idle or the timing?

thanks,
Sallie

[Alexander]

RE: rough idle question

Check the operation of the choke. If it ran smoothly one day and then had problems on a shorter trip the next day, the choke flap on the carburetor is the likely culprit. It is either opening too fast or too slowly.

Alexander
1959 Hardtop
1960 Golde Top

[Guest]

RE: rough idle question

What is the fix for a sticky choke? Will the carb rebuild kit fix this?

[Guest]

RE: rough idle question

Remove your air cleaner..........and spray the flap with carb cleaner. Move it back and forth with your "gloved" hand to free it up. You may have to adjust it if its staying closed for too long. This is VERY easy to do...........but clean it first.

[Alexander]

RE: rough idle question

A complete carburetor rebuild will definitely fix this. One of the best rebuilders are http://www.ponycarburetors.com/main.asp . They specialize in our Ford 4100 carburetor.

Alexander
1959 Hardtop
1960 Golde Top