Fast Idle cam on 64

[rw_removed]

I've got a '64 with a 390 and Ford 4bbl carb. My problem is that when the engine warms up the fast idle cam is not "kicking down" so the engine continues to idle fast. The choke thermostat appears to be working correctly but as the choke opens the fast idle pickup rod does not "ride" the over-travel lever all the way down.

My question is: should there be some kind of torsion spring on the fast idle pickup that pulls that linkage down as the choke opens? (Not the one inside the thermostat housing, but on the plastic piece that holds the over-travel level adjusting screw). It seems to me that all I've got pulling it down right now is gravity... and that is not enough.

Thanks.

[rzcrisis]

Is it the original Ford Autolite 4100 4 barrel carb? If so I can send you some pics of mine. I had it rebuilt last year and works perfectly. Let me know.

Randy

[rw_removed]

Yes it is the original Ford Autolite 4100. Thanks in advance for the pics.

[rzcrisis]

I sent you a personal message re the pics. I want to send them via email. See message.

Randy

[rzcrisis]

Curious if the pics I sent you helped you with your choke issue? Any resolution?

Randy

[rw_removed]

Randy,

Thanks for the pics, btw. I took a quick look at it when you sent the pics but have not had a chance to do any work on it. Your pics look the same as what I have. There is no return or tension spring on the fast idle pickup linkage rod to pull it down when the choke opens all the way. It appears that it relies on gravity to drop that linkage and raise the fast idle cam to clear the fast idle screw. Mine just does not drop all the way.

I just replaced that plastic piece with the adjust screw so I might need to smooth that or lube with a graphite spray. Or I may need to add some weight to the linkage.

If you open the choke and the throttle together, does your fast idle cam fall clear of the fast idle screw?

Thanks,

Rod

[tb65m66]

On most of the older cars, you must tap the throttle to reduce the idle speed.

You press the pedal to the floor to set the choke and as the engine warms up ite idle speed will increase. Tapping the pedal will let the fast idle cam drop, reducing the speed. Once fully warm the cam would drop completely giving normal idle.

[boaterbob]

there isn't a spring or weight that you should need to push or pull the cam rod down. I would say you just need to clean it up and lube and adjust choke operation from scratch. Should be adjustment procedures in your shop manual.

[rzcrisis]

Hi Rod

I fired her up today after 3 months idle and the fast idle cam appears to drop as expected. It sounds like yours may need some lube or freeing up. As suggested, it does require you to tap the gas pedal to bring it to idle once warmed up.

Randy