idle issue

[mik]

I have a '69 124 AS Spider. After starting, as the engine warms up, I push in the choke let it run a little longer, can push in the choke until the it's at around 1100 rpms. If I push the choke in, the little left that I can, engine dies. I also took off air cleaner cover and noted that with the choke pushed all the way in the carburetor is wide open, with the choke pulled all the way out, there is still a gap of 1/4" between the flap and the carburetor wall. I have to manually push it completely closed. Is this the normal position, or should it be completely closed off? Thank you, Mik

[So Cal Mark]

The choke should be closed with the knob pulled out. If the car won't idle at all with the choke fully open you could have a vacuum leak, a dirty idle circuit or misadjusted idle mixture

[mik]

Thanks Mark, I am trying to understand where a vacuum leak would exist, where would I start to look? I know I have a breather hose that looks worn and cracked on both ends of the small 90 degree hose. Could this be the culprit? Also I have read that when driving I would notice loss of engine power, or some hesitation in acceleration. I haven't noticed any of this, when the engine has warmed up properly. Thanks for your input.