The Ford Barn

Joe KCMO · 07-25-2010, 12:15 PM

I am working on a 24 stud flathead. The block has been machined and all new internals installed. The point gap has been set at 0.14". The description:

The engine starts instantly by just touching the starter button.
The engine pulls 21" of vacuum at a fast idle and runs very smooth at about half choke. Oil pressure is about 30" when warm and runs all day at 170 deg. The engine has what appears all the power you want after idle thru top end.

Problem(seeking perfection without diagnostics tools)

The engine I would describe has difficulty idling at low rpms which flatheads are famous for idling very smooth at idle. It seems to run best at full advance with the choke partially closed. Open the choke - poor idle, low vacuum. The mixture screws do not seem to make a difference unless all the way closed. With one closed still runs. Close them both she stalls.

My question is timing, carburetor or something else giving me a tough time idling here.

07-25-2010, 12:15 PM	#1
Joe KCMO Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Miami, Florida Posts: 423	Tuning A Flathead I am working on a 24 stud flathead. The block has been machined and all new internals installed. The point gap has been set at 0.14". The description: The engine starts instantly by just touching the starter button. The engine pulls 21" of vacuum at a fast idle and runs very smooth at about half choke. Oil pressure is about 30" when warm and runs all day at 170 deg. The engine has what appears all the power you want after idle thru top end. Problem(seeking perfection without diagnostics tools) The engine I would describe has difficulty idling at low rpms which flatheads are famous for idling very smooth at idle. It seems to run best at full advance with the choke partially closed. Open the choke - poor idle, low vacuum. The mixture screws do not seem to make a difference unless all the way closed. With one closed still runs. Close them both she stalls. My question is timing, carburetor or something else giving me a tough time idling here. Last edited by Joe KCMO; 07-25-2010 at 03:12 PM.