1964 C10...need some help...

[Blainethemono]

Ill try to run down everything as best I can. I have a 1964 C10 long bed Stepside, with a Chebie 350, Performer manifold, Carter 625, headers, RV cam...usual bolt-on stuff for a 350.

She has always ran well ever since I bought her 5 years ago, except she started to get a slow draw on the electrical system, eventually requiring me to install a battery cut off switch when I parked her for more then a few days.

A few months back the alternator quit charging and was only on battery power when I tried to drive her. Had the alt checked @ O'Reallys. Replaced it, but still had no charging voltage across the battery. Started looking @ the external regulator, when I said F it, and went for the later model high output Trans Am alternator suggested as THE replacement when upgrading. Followed the online instructions here and VIOLA!! 14+ volts across the battery... windshield wipers flying off the windshield, volt meter showing a positive charge..... Excellent all the way......

Except one thing..... She wont idle, no matter what I do..

Air screws out 1.5 turns, idle adjustment screw turned in until she actually runs, (1200rpm+), and when I start backing her down, she stumbles like she I is starving for gas and then dies. Now, I also noticed that my glass fuel filter is solid gas, no bubbling @ all. Think I may need a regulator??

Thanx for any thoughts or advise you can give...

[AcampoDave]

So if it idled previous to the alternator swap it's either a coincidence and something else failed or the swap caused it. But how? Is there any way something about swaping alts could have shorted the ignition? You said there was a slow draw on the battery before the changes, could the draw have been the coil? If so, is it still there? I'm just guessing here, but if the slow draw was or is the ignition, could the coil be wearing out from the stress that might put on it?

[72bigred]

Personally I would start with timing.. Once ya know that is ok then move forward.. Your gettin fuel, air, spark... has to have a super high idle to run.. Id be lookin at timing. I am no pro.. but that is where I would start.

[dwntwn]

Sounds like a vacuum leak. You could try the idle mixture screws 2.5 turns out from seating and see if that changes anything

[Blainethemono]

Thanx Guys.....I narrowed it down.... Kinda feel stupid really, but just for the fun of it I checked the air cleaner...... on a bright sunny day, I couldn't see a spec of light thru it...

Swapped it out an all is good.... now....on to my tail light problem.....

[OsOdeDIABLO]

dont you just love that.glad you fixed it.Jimmy