So I got my engine professionally rebuilt (Arizona Rotary Rockets in Phoenix). Got it back in the car, got everything hooked up, cranked it, got it started, but it won't idle. If I give it a good amount of gas and hold it I can keep it running and it seems to run fine, but as soon as I let off of the gas it dies. The timing is on (or very close), I checked for vacuum leaks by spraying carb cleaner around while it was running and couldn't find any. This makes me believe that it is the carb. The car ran fine (most of the time) before the rebuild, so I don't understand why it would have issues now. The carb was cleaned but not dissasembled or adjusted.
I just wanted to see if anyone has anyone had any ideas what might be causing this. It is an 80 motor, 81 housings, and all emissions still on the engine, stock nikki carb.
Thanks in advance,
John

 

I'm sure you did, but try checking the idle speed screw, it may have been turned. My car currently dies once the choke pops in, and holding the accelerator keeps it going but once I left off, she dies. I have to play with it when its back on pavement.

 

Hmm... I will check that, but I think it might be something more than that. It seems to try to die faster as soon as it gets below 1500rpms even if I am still giving it some gas. I should have been more clear about the problem but I will check that out. Thanks.

 

Are you still running the 80 intake manifold?

 

Mine hits about 1000 and the needle just dives. Hopefully mine isn't more complicated than the screw, it's never idled high enough and I was never sure of how to adjust it.

 

Yes I am doc

 

How long did the carb set while the engine was being rebuilt? It may have gummed up inside. You have to get the carb running right or you could damage your fresh rebuild. Go back over every little bit of the emmisions, vac hoses, wiring, etc. and make sure it's right. If you can't find anything, pull the top of the carb off and see what it looks like.

 

The carb sat for 5 weeks. It wasn't just sitting though. I gave the whole long block to the builder and he cleaned everything including the carb. Is there a good place to look at the wiring and vacuum diagrams because the haynes manual is not the best and my fsm is 700 miles away! What am I looking for when I take the top off of the carb? Thanks for all of the help. I really want to get this thing running.

 

Bump,
Any other ideas? Does it most likely need a rebuild?

 

FSMs are online, link is in my sig. I never understand how people can pay for a rebuild, then reuse old/worn/out of spec parts. Every fresh rebuild should be accompanied with a carb/injector rebuild and a comple freshening of the cooling systems, both oil and water, along with a complete tune up.
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