Carb Question

[scottxd45]

1989 carbed 1.3

Ok when I bought my festiva the carb was not installed but it did come with the car. I put it on and it starts just fine but it idles at about 2300-2500. Way too high! It is my understanding that the idle is adjusted with the white knob on the right rear of the carb. Is that right? I adjusted it all the way out so it isn't even touching but it makes no difference. Is it possible that the seal in the carb are leaking and letting air in causing the idle to be high? I know very little about carbs so your help is appreciated. I want to get this thing running right so I can put plates and insurance on it. My truck is killing the budget on gas.

[worfdog]

sounds like choke issues. make sure the wire from the alternator to the choke is hooked up because if it not, the choke will never go off. next just check to make sure the linkage for the choke is not binding or damaged. thats all i can think of right now.

[scottxd45]

The choke staying closed would cause it to idle high? I figured that would just make it run more rich because less air getting in. I'll check it when I get home in the morning.

[worfdog]

i had the same problem you are having a few months ago on my 89. the choke was not closed, but the linkage was messed up and would stay on the fast idle cam and stay revved up.

[scottxd45]

Oh ok. It is very possible that I don't have the linkages right because like I said I just installed the carb. Thanks.

[Levitan]

I'm not a Mr. Goodwrench, but a fair backyard mechanic. I'd be checking that timing too. If you are advanced too far, you'll never get that carb set. I had that situation on my blue efi....I know, not carbed....but the symptoms and results could/would be the same.

Then I'd look at the throttle cable spring (I'm assuming the principles of the carb would be essentially the same as any off a V-8, but I'm not familiar with Festy carbs). Is the return spring hooked up or the wrong spring and not enough tension.

By all means continue looking at all those other options you mentioned too. Eventually you'll get'er done.

Just my 2 cents.