Engine Idle

1981 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
89,500 MILES • V8 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
TROUBLED C20
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
My C20 has a 350 carbeurated engine. When the weather is cold (below 35 deg)the engine idles very rough, and almost sounds slow. When I let off the gas to slow to a stop at engine idle, the engine will die. I can restart it once or twice, and it will run very rough, then it refuses to start. It will crank and fire and die. repeat. My neighbor witnessed this and adjusted my timing by twisting the distributor, it ran great (this was at about 45 deg). Now it has gotten a little colder (about 18 degrees) and is running at the same problems it had before hand. Is my timing still off? Or is something broken?
Image (Click to enlarge)
Attached Media
Jan 7, 2011 at 6:28 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
DAVE'S BIG BACKYARD!
  • EXPERT
  • 262 POSTS
check your fuel filter and adjust the choke and maybe run some seafome though it,gas ad.
Sep 3, 2020 at 3:12 AM
Avatar
FORD MAN
  • MEMBER
  • 115 POSTS
Could be a list of little things. Without knowing all the facts about the truck, i'll suggest a couple things to check. Change the fuel filter ( Thank you Dave ! ), get the timing checked with a timing lite & correct specs., check to see if the fuel pump is working right, check & see if the choke is working correctly (again..Thank you Dave ! ), & if everything is working right....you may need to get the carb rebuilt.

Ford Man in Michigan
Sep 3, 2020 at 3:12 AM
Avatar
HMAC300
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 48,601 POSTS
check ot see if your distributor hold down plate has slipped off the dist letting it pop up. if it is get teh solid plate and retime your engine. clean the carb. ifi ti's a rochester 4 barrel yo may have a vacuumleak.
Sep 3, 2020 at 3:12 AM
Avatar
DAVE'S BIG BACKYARD!
  • EXPERT
  • 262 POSTS
in short i think you need a carb.but make sure all your carb bolts are tight and allways check for vac leaks.
Sep 3, 2020 at 3:12 AM
🔧 Tools & Auto Repair Parts
Find automotive tools, diagnostic equipment, and replacement parts for your next repair.
Shop on Amazon →
Paid affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Add a reply
Join 2CarPros for free, one of the most advanced car repair communities on the internet. From first-time drivers to seasoned mechanics, everyone is welcome to reply, share details, and get better answers. You can add a temporary image or video first; uploads are limited to 20 MB.

Ask a new question

Frequently Asked Problems for This Vehicle