Go Back   The Ford Barn > General Discussion > Model A (1928-31)

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 05-12-2020, 09:48 AM   #21
WHN
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Connecticut Shoreline
Posts: 1,815
Default Re: engine rpm at idle

I prefer a low idle, it allows for easier shifting of gears when under way.

I also do not let the car idle for any extended length of time.

If everything is correct with your cars engine and it is timed properly, that slow idle should be there. You can adjust up from that point at the carburetor or at steering column.
WHN is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-12-2020, 10:10 AM   #22
Bob Bidonde
Senior Member
 
Bob Bidonde's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Long Island, NY
Posts: 3,432
Default Re: engine rpm at idle

In showing off a very slow idle as a characteristic of a good running engine, my concern is metal-to-metal contact in bearings may occur for 2 reasons:
1. Hydrodynamic pressure gets too low because of low speed in the bearings;
2. Inadequate oil supply to the main bearings, camshaft bearings and connecting rod troughs. So showing off a very low idle speed / lugging the engine in too high a gear may reduce the oil pumps output to an intolerable amount.

Consequently, I keep my engines idling high enough so you cannot distinguish any fan blades; they are a blur. I also downshift to keep the engine RPMs up when turning corners, climbing steep hills and in parades.
__________________
Bob Bidonde
Bob Bidonde is offline   Reply With Quote
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:37 PM.