I just bought an '81
Its got the 12A carb
But it idles at like 200 RPM
We tried adjusting it but nothing happened
Is there another reason why it could be so low?

Also, sometimes I need to drive with the choke on
Is this bad for the engine?

 

That doesn't seem possible if you've cranked the actual idle screw a lot...if it can idle at 200 RPM, that's a new record, I believe.

Mario III

 

i heard from a guy i was talking to tonight and he said that in the winter he ran with the choke out sometimes just to keep the motor warm. i dont really think that it would be beneficial during the summer but probably cant hurt it

 

you aren't adjusting the right screw.

 

I don't know
I haven't played with it too much
Maybe my tach is just off...

But even after it is warmed up and I am just coasting to a light, it still sometimes stalls for no reason

 

There are two adjustment screws on the Nikki carb. Both on the drivers side. The one in the middle is for adjusting the idle fuel mixture. Then there is one towards the rear of the carb under the throttle cable bracket that is for adjusting the idle speed. Adjusting the fuel mixture will not affect the idle speed as much, it is more for smoothing the idle. Driving with the choke out will not hurt the car, as it is designed to be out while driving to help warm the engine up faster. You'll just be idling high and gulping more fuel.

 

Thanks orion
Good luck with your car too
Looking good

 

gl with troubleshooting