79 carburated 2000 will not idle

[gorjes]

I'm new to the forum, and really like the information I see here. I've searched my particular topic and found several interesting articles on carbs, but need some specific information on a problem that recently developed all of a sudden; she just won't idle.

It's time for a new timing belt; will probably resurface the heads and grind valves at the same time, and may even switch over to 1800 manifold and a 32/36 DFEG as mbouse advocates. However, the immediate problem is to renew the registration, and to do that I have to have an inspection (no emissions), and I can't get that it it won't run for the inspector.

Since this started so suddenly, like something broke, what are some simple things to check like loose emission hoses (there are many), the idle solenoid (what does that do?) or choke diaphragm for leaks?

[Danno]

are you sure it's a fuel issue? what about that idle solenoid on the carb? When is the last time you replaced your condensers on the distributor or how about replacing the points or checking their gaps?

[manoa matt]

The 79 ADHA carb has a special plastic cam below the automatic choke. When the plastic piece breaks, the carb is impossible to tune and idles oddly, unfortunatly the piece is only avilable if you find another carb and switch out the choke housings.

On the back of the carb should be two hoses that go to the water activated choke. If you have an inspection mirror look under the choke housing for a peice of cream colored plastic. Also look on the intake manifold in case it broke off and is lying there.

If you live in an area without emissions regulations don't even bother with that 79 ADHA carb

[gorjes]

Thanks for your responses, Danno and manoa.

I think it's the carb since it still runs OK at any speed except slow idle. The auto choke still works, but only briefly, so I will check the plastic cam under the choke housing; thanks for directions on where to look.

Gordon

[eddy314]

I had a 79 carb with similar symptoms. I replaced the idle solenoid from another carb and it fixed it. You can take the solenoid off and test it with a battery to see if it clicks. I ended up swapping it all out with a weber 32 adfa and 1800 manifold.