Engine dying?

[etg]

Hope you guys can help me diagnose this problem. I have a 350 with edelbrock carb, the 350 is a fresh rebuild and the edy is new. It was running and idling well when I first got it back from the shop. I don't have a tach so I can't give you any numbers. Then I installed a pcv valve and the idle dropped so low it would just die out. I turned the distributor counter clockwise as far as it goes, and it still dies out if I'm not babying the gas. I decided to bump up the carb and it seemed to settle down, low idle still but seemed stable. I jumped in and took some stuff to the local Goodwill to donate, and it would turn off at some stop lights. I decided to take the highway back home instead of sidestreets to keep from having to stop. Any ideas what might be happening?

[71gmcburb]

timing is out

[Zeke's Garage]

Did you just install the PCV? Was the carb set without it being in there? Because when you run the PCV you put in a controlled vacuum leak, and the carb idle mixture and idle RPM will need to be re-set. You really need to get a timing light on it, and a vacuum gauge if possible to get everything setup again and you should be good.

Shawn

[etg]

Yeah I just ran it for the first time since installing the pcv. Will readjusting the carb be enough or is timing the main cause?

[swamp rat]

Being as how you turned the distributor counter clockwise as far as it go's, i'd say you have a timing issue as well as a carb adjust issue as well. You need to get the timing back where it belongs, carb adjustment and timing go hand in hand.

[CCCC]

Originally Posted by etg

It was running and idling well - Then I installed a pcv valve

originally a VACUUUUUUUM issue


I turned the distributor counter clockwise as far as it goes - -

and, now, timing.

Start from zero with TDC, vac off the distributor and a timing light. Follow specs. It will be fine.

[etg]

Got it, I've never really messed with the timing before besides turning the cap and hearin the change in sound. I'll try get a light and get it going.

[Wrenchbender Ret]

The carb will have to be readjusted after installing a pcv valve. Set the timing. Then adjust the idle speed with the throttle stop screw. Then turn the idle jets about 1 turn out. With the engine warm & choke off slowly turn each idle jet in till the engine starts slowing down. Then back it out enough till it speeds back up again.

[etg]

Originally Posted by Wrenchbender Ret

The carb will have to be readjusted after installing a pcv valve. Set the timing. Then adjust the idle speed with the throttle stop screw. Then turn the idle jets about 1 turn out. With the engine warm & choke off slowly turn each idle jet in till the engine starts slowing down. Then back it out enough till it speeds back up again.

I took it to a buddy and we got the timing light on there. Glad I did it was way late. We set the timing, adjusted the carb and she ran fine. We let her cool off for a couple hours then when I came out she was idlin real low, so I think I just have to fiddle with the fast idle screw. Sounds better than ever though. Thanks for the help guys.