Posted by Duncan on August 28, 2000 at 22:21:49:
In Reply to: engine problems posted by jim bowman on August 28, 2000 at 17:57:05:
Don't know if this helps but first take the air cleaner off blocking any vaccuum lines.Then with the engine cold start it up,watch the choke, it should be mostly closed but not all the way shut.If the choke is all tha way shut check the pull off as its job is to open the choke a little with engine vaccuum. Then carefully put your hand on the heat riser that runs under the carb and the choke in the intake manifold. If it burns your hand, thats good, if not then the passage is probably plugged with carbon. This is a very common problem with small block Dodges and usually results in the choke having to be disabled somehow. The fix is to remove the manifold and chip or burn the carbon out. If the first two checks are OK then let the engine reach operating temp, at this time the choke should be completely open. If not, try adjusting it a little leaner, depending on the type of choke a clockwise twist of the choke mechanism. Or if its a divorced style choke(the one with just a rod going from the manifold to the carb)carefully bending the choke rod to make it a little shorter.Lastly if the choke is open all the way and black smoke still is apparent,the problem probably lies in the carb. A bad float or a leaking needle and seat.The carb will probably need to come off and be serviced or rebuilt.