Idle?

[1929]

How long do you Idle your car before you drive off to a destination? It seems that every time I idle for more then 5 minutes, the plugs have more carbon on them, which in turn causes the engine to consistently pop, until I run it out on the highway for a while.

[Utopia Texas]

Where is your spark lever set at idle.
I pull mine down and advance some even at idle.
Has worked for me since 1988.
I'll write back in, in 20 more years and give something more conclusive.

Also check your carburetor idle setting depending on carburetor to see it is not too rich.

Since these engines originally had no thermostat they can run really cold at start up.
I generally start up and go......

[RawhideKid]

Since I don't need to worry about distributor advance, it takes me enough time to lower the idle back to low after starting to release the e-brake and slip the trans into reverse then back out of the driveway. So, I would say, maybe 2min before I start driving. I really don't need any warm up time before driving.

Now I am sure there are going to be a few that says I should wait to get oil everywhere, but I have no noticeable noises, and it runs swiftly.

[Kevin in NJ]

How long does it take to pull some advance, undo the E brake, and let the clutch out?

[KGBnut]

Sometimes I just roll start mine as I back out of the driveway, then off I go.

Does that me that I'm technically driving before I start?

Ken

[1929]

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I have a downdraft Stromberg 97 and a FS ignition.

[CarlG]

Originally Posted by 1929

I have a downdraft Stromberg 97 and a FS ignition.

I have the same configuration. Usually don't idle the engine more than a minute or so before taking off.