edelbrock carb problem

[hag77]

i have a 82 Chevy 1/2 ton 4x4 with a 350 with an edelbrock performer eps intake edel 1406 600 carb mild cam hedders nothing to major yet the carb is a year old when you first start it up it will stall usually once then will go but idles really low for about 5 min the will work its way up to high idle and when i look at the secondaries they are open i bit and they just stay like that will not move even when its off it was working fine about 2 months ago now it sucks anybody got any ideas whats up

[eventhorizon66]

Have you checked the choke?  The adjustment procedure is outlined in the owners manual.  Also, if you don't squeeze the throttle once before you start the engine, the choke will remain in whatever position it was in when you last shut it off.

[hag77]

yes i checked the choke and i always punch it first its strange the secondaries just stay in the same position  no matter how long or hard you drive it should they not be closed till needed?

[eventhorizon66]

Are you sure you are talking about your secondaries?  The air valve is what you see when just looking down into the carb.  The secondary butterflies are revealed when you hold open the air valve and look further down into the rear barrels.  There is a direct mechanical connection between the primary and secondary throttle shafts.  The air valve should remain closed until the engine demands more air and the secondaries are open.  If the air valve is sticking open that could cause problems (but honestly I don't think it would cause the problems you describe).  On a 1406 AFB-style carb the air valve is counter weighted and non-adjustable (well you can actually adjust the amount of counterwieght buy drilling or grinding or adding mallory ).  It should not stick open.  Can you move it manually?  It should open with a gentle touch.

Have you also checked your fast idle screw adjustment?  This screw dictates the idle speed when the choke is on.  You reveal it on the bottom of the throttle lever by pulling the lever to WOT.

[hag77]

sorry yes its the air valve then thats what i am seeing and it is a counter weighted style and it will not move what would cause that

[eventhorizon66]

It won't even move manually?  Grab the counterweight with the tip of your finger and pull it up and toward you.  It should move very freely.

I just had a looksee at my #1406 and it is not fully closed at rest (open maybe 30°).

[hag77]

nope its open 1/8 inch and will not move i cad move the weights but the valve stays

[eventhorizon66]

What?!? You can move the weight but not the valve.  They should be connected by the saft.  Weight moves, valve moves.

[hag77]

thats what i mean i push on the valve and it is stuck no matter how hard i push

[eventhorizon66]

If you can't do this, it's time to grab a rebuild kit and take that carb apart.

(Sorry it's so dark, but you can clearly see a flash of light that is the valve opening)

[hag77]

yes something must be tweaked maybe your right time to take a look inside thanks for the info

[eventhorizon66]

Let me know what you find.  I'm still not completely convinced that is the cause of your problem as far as hard starting goes.  But it certainly isn't right.

Oh, and welcome aboard.  Glad you found us.

[hag77]

ya i love this site its nice to have somewhere to bounce your ideas and problems around with people that know i will let you know

[beastie_3]

I just bought a Edelbrock rebuild kit (about $30) and it was easy! Just dont loose anything! I cleaned everything up really good and adjusted everything the way the book said and my truck runs better.

[SUX2BU99]

^ That's good to know. Been really thinking about whether to rebuild mine and tinker with tuning or just buy a new carb. You didn't feel the need to soak everything in a bucket of carb cleaner? Approx. how long did it take to do?