VERY low idle on 85 Ramcharger

[Youknowme]

I have an 85 Dodge Ramcharger (318, holley 6280 2bbl, 2x4). The problem is that sometimes (about every other start), it will idle at about 350 RPM and stall out unless I shift to neutral and give it some gas. I've changed the spark plug wires and checked the gaps on the plugs. I've checked the induction coil. It doesn't happen on the basis of the weather (in Lubbock, TX, the weather doesn't change that much; dry, windy, and warm). I don't want to change the idle on the carb, because when the engine runs at the correct speed, it would be running way too fast.

Thanks for the help...

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Stephen Crouch
youknowme@geocities.com

[Diesel Dually]

I would check for a vacuum leak first. They can sometimes come and go...
I would also check the carb. for excessive shaft play which can cause a vacuum leak and/or cause the butterfly to stay open a little more than it should, causing a high idle. This of course will only apply if you have had to turn the idle down some because it was idling too fast...
If that is not the case, if your truck has an idle speed solenoid that is probably the culprit.

[This message has been edited by Diesel Dually (edited February 18, 2000).]

[RAM MAN]

I had an old Ranger (forgive me) that had a vacuum leak and here's what worked best for me:

I drove it down to my local AutoZone / Pep Boys or what have you, and popped the hood - then I pulled one line - had them cut it - replaced it - pulled the next one and so on. That way I knew they all got pulled and replaced with the right size in length and diameter - but it also helped me remember exactly where I pulled it from . . .

Just a thought - they let me run a tab and I'm sure it was under 5 bucks to do the entire engine. Its only a few cents per foot if I remember right.

Wow - what a diff . . .

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"Good Luck on your project."