Don't mind me too much... Just a newbie carb question...

[ixei]

Engine in question is a 396 with an edelbrock intake manifold and carb that has an electric choke.

I've read for hours now on proper technique.
Issue is that on a cold start or most starts that she turns over then dies slowly within 5 seconds.

I currently with key off push pedal to floor once.
Let off completely and turn the key to start.

I can keep it alive if I physically keep gas with the pedal but idle drops off and dies if I let off.
I'm sensing no fast idle.

It will continue to do this if I just drive at every stop until at operating temp.

Where do I begin?
And thank yall

[Jurassic-1]

What type of carb do you have. If it is a Quadra jet it will have a flat headed adjustment screw on the passenger side just below the choke assy. This screw can be turned in to speed up fast idle. Edelbrock carbs are similar. You should also check your timing and dwell if it is a points type distributor.

[ixei]

Originally Posted by Jurassic-1

What type of carb do you have. If it is a Quadra jet it will have a flat headed adjustment screw on the passenger side just below the choke assy. This screw can be turned in to speed up fast idle. Edelbrock carbs are similar. You should also check your timing and dwell if it is a points type distributor.

Much appreciated. I'll take a few pictures of the carb to further help someone help me.

[Wrenchbender Ret]

I have some ideas also but a photo or carb model will help.

[ixei]

Originally Posted by Wrenchbender Ret

I have some ideas also but a photo or carb model will help.

Album of photos here : https://imgur.com/a/dLHaA

Apparently she's a Rochester Quadrojet.

In the last photo of the album it looks like that goldish arm isn't connected?

[ixei]

Now knowing it's a quadrajet I upped the fast idle, and marginally raised the base idle.

Seemed like she was happier.

Now to fix all the cracked vacuum caps, etc.

Should my brake booster be straight lined to the passenger valve cover? Seems like that may explain my poor braking experience.

[leftybass209]

Your brake booster should be connected to vacuum, which can be from the rear of that edelbrock manifold behind the carb. It should never be connected to the valve cover.

[ixei]

Originally Posted by leftybass209

Your brake booster should be connected to vacuum, which can be from the rear of that edelbrock manifold behind the carb. It should never be connected to the valve cover.

I'll have to change that over.
She didn't start this morning, think she needs a new battery.

[Wrenchbender Ret]

I can see in the photo that the choke is closed. When you start the engine the vacuum chamber plunger should go in & pull the choke about half way open. As the electric choke warms up the choke plate should open all the way & fall off fast idle. The idle mixture can be adjusted by jets inside the holes in front part of the lower housing. They take a special tool. Some are a small double D. Some are a hex. Open each jet about 1 turn & with engine warm & idle ing slowly turn each one in till the engine starts to slow down. Then turn it out till it speeds back up, about 1/2 turn.
Let us know if you have any more questions.
George