RE: [ihc] Pete's Choking!

[Tom Harais <THarais@xxxxxxxxx>]

Pete:

Mine has exhibited the exact same symptoms for more than a few years, except
for the dying out around corners.  The stumble at idle only occurs when it's
well warmed up.  The Smog mechanics have noticed this, but it hasn't failed
to pass the emissions test ---- yet.  Well, it did once but for a different
reason and a carb rebuild brought it back, greatly improved mileage from a
consistent 11 MPG to an occasional 14 MPG. And this fixed a serious vacuum
leak I didn't know I had for 15 or so years, due to the misapplication of a
gasket by a PO.

My float bowl does drain out when the Scout sits, which it often does.  This
makes it hard to start unless I dump some fuel into the carb venture before
trying.

After I go get it started, it starts and works fine, with the idle stumble
occurring whenever it's warm on a patterned basis, so long as it doesn't sit
for more than an hour or so.  If it sits longer, it's hard to start and
usually ends up flooded in any attempt to start it.  I finally get it going
by holding the butterfly plate open while cranking with the pedal smashed to
floor.  This once also added some interesting features to my eyebrows with a
distinct, burning hair and skin smell, after it backfired while I had my
face over the carburetor. :-)

I can baby it to get it started when it does this, but my wife is overcome
and frustrated by it so I can't let her drive the Scout.  And of course, she
refuses to go anywhere in it, even if I drive, because the concept of a car
that is not working perfectly, scares the hell out of her and sends her into
catatonic fits.

I do believe that if I just bend the rod that controls the choke butterfly
valve so that it doesn't close so much when the engine is cold, this problem
will go away.  As for the draining of the float bowl after sitting, I do not
know where the fuel is going.  I had assumed it was "boiling" out into the
intake, but maybe it's purging elsewhere.

Based on my previous results with a rebuild as well as Mr. Grammers
commentary in response to your post, I'm thinking I should rebuild that
sucker again.  Of course, I have an Edlebrock 1406 sitting on my workbench
that I could slap on, but I can't fit a 4 bbl on that 2 bbl manifold easily
and I'd have to "reswap" in October of 05 to pass another "visual
inspection" at the SMOG station.

My suspicion is that you have a choke problem and probably also a float
level problem.  Both are correctable.  I think you should get a good manual
and a carb rebuild kit and have at it.  Or, purchase a "legal" replacement
for that Holley which I'm sure exists for most states, and might even exist
for CA as well.  Try the Edlebrock website.

Tom H., '76 Traveler