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Old 02-25-2021, 01:00 PM   #1
Jim M
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Default 29 Roadster won't idle all the way down

My roadster is running fine but when I come to a complete stop the engine does not idle all the way down. If I put my toe under the accelerator pedal and pull it back it then idles all the way down. I can not find any info in either of Les Andrews books about the linkage on the firewall. Before I start taking it apart would like to know if anyone else has had this problem and what cured it. Thanks, Jim
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Old 02-25-2021, 01:13 PM   #2
springerpete
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Default Re: 29 Roadster won't idle all the way down

Check to be sure the idle screw is backed off on the carb so the throttle closes. Also check and lube all of the throttle rod parts don't forget the apparatus on the firewall. Also check that nothing is binding with the hand throttle linkage. Because you can close the throttle with your foot I think you have a sticky/binding system.
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Old 02-25-2021, 01:52 PM   #3
Brentwood Bob
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Default Re: 29 Roadster won't idle all the way down

There are two points on the accelerator assembly that bolts to the back of the block that Pete mentioned that need oil. Usually out of sight and out of mind. If the cross shaft was bent during a engine removal it can bind up. I have straightened several in the bench vice.
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Old 02-25-2021, 02:09 PM   #4
Y-Blockhead
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Default Re: 29 Roadster won't idle all the way down

While you're lubing the linkage check your return spring for binding.

Also check to ensure the linkage is allowing the carb butterfly to travel all the way closed. I recently installed a Marvel Schebler carb and ran into this. I had to fab an "adjustable" throttle rod to allow the carb to close fully.


Last edited by Y-Blockhead; 02-25-2021 at 02:20 PM.
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Old 02-26-2021, 07:39 AM   #5
Patrick L.
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Default Re: 29 Roadster won't idle all the way down

The info about oiling all the linkage points and making sure they are free, straight and moving properly is good.
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Old 02-26-2021, 08:43 AM   #6
Big hammer
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Default Re: 29 Roadster won't idle all the way down

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After lubing and it still won't idle down with out help, you may need to change the return spring on the linkage, after 90 years it may getting weak.
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Old 02-26-2021, 07:35 PM   #7
ericr
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Default Re: 29 Roadster won't idle all the way down

difficulties ewith the accelerator assembly appear here periodically. does anyone have a copy of the engineering draft that might show how much bend the part was designed with?
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Old 02-27-2021, 02:41 PM   #8
Ernie Vitucci
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Default Re: 29 Roadster won't idle all the way down

Good afternoon...I have seen several Model A's with an extra little spring mounted to a little pad eye about where your passenger would put their right big toe! The pad eye is screwed to the plywood floorboard and a small fairly stout spring then goes from it to the connection of the throttle cross-shaft and the linkage that goes up to the throttle butterfly on the side of the zenith...works really well...as an easier fix than removing the cross-shaft and putting a new spring on same...Ernie in Arizona
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Old 02-27-2021, 08:22 PM   #9
Y-Blockhead
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Default Re: 29 Roadster won't idle all the way down

I use a fulcrum spring similar to this. I didn't like the way a coil spring pulls back on the throttle shaft.

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