69' 383 2bbl running rough

[tufamc]

Hi all,

I just got a 69' charger with a 383/727 2-bbl, all stock. The last owner had taken the heads to a local shop to get redone, I trust this shop, as I've had work done there on other engines, also he put a reman carb on it (carter bbd). Here's my story, It runs like crap! so far I've put new plugs/wires (haven't had it to long) IT WILL NOT IDLE, when cold or hot, same thing. The screw for the idle speed is all the way in, I've messed with the idle mixture screws to no avail, cant really set the timing b/c it will not stay running below 1300-1400rpm, tho at 1400rpm w/vacuum advance hooked up timing is at 29btdc. when cold, I have to keep feathering the pedal to run, when warm, it will stay running @ 1300rpm(ish) if I hole the choke butterfly about 1/2 closed. This is driving me nutz!!! I've worked on several carb equipped cars/trucks, but never a carter 2bbl, tho it may not be the carb, vacuum leak? I've sprayed starting fluid around the intake/carb, with really no difference in rpm. also i just noticed that they REUSED the intake gasket (the tin one) with gobs of sealent around the intake.....thanks for any help!!!   

JR

[Chryco Psycho]

1300-1400 is where the carb starts to draw fuel in from the main jet circuit / boosters so the idle passages must be blocked suppling no fuel at Idle , I would either get a different carb or swap to a 4 bbl carb & intake

[tufamc]

**update**

So far I have replaced the intake gasket, rebuilt the carb, replaced card base gaskets, plug/unhooked all vacuum lines. jumped the coil to 12v all the time, adjusted point gap.......NO CHANGE  .......Will idle @ 1300ish rpm w/choke at least 1/2 closed, then after 3hrs of adjusting, was able to get it running down to 900rpm, but that's with the idle mixture screws about 5 turns out and the timing seems WAY off, like about 28-32* at 1000-1200rpm with NO v/a hooked up, and its a dog, takes the engine some effort to rev up. Also with the car at 900 rpm, if it stalls of I shut it off, I can only start it with starting fluid.....did all this until the lower radiator hose blew off  ....then I gave up for the night...So next I', gonna replace the distributor with a cheap a1/cardone unit (I know there not liked here but for $40...) and of course all coolant hoses, thermostat and housing....What to ya all think, any help would be sweet!!!

thanks

[tufamc]

BTW....

If I try to change the timing back to 14-16* at idle it will just stall and not fire up, with out moving the disttributor back to where it was......

[elacruze]

Do you have a vacuum gauge? You should have a minimum of 14" of manifold vacuum at idle. If not, something is amiss.
Pull the valve covers, check the lifter preload-perhaps the shop cut the head and/or sunk the valves and now the lifters are too tight.

[tufamc]

hmmm....

I do know that the shop installed hardened exhaust seats, and this shop usually mills the heads just enough to make them straight, I'll have to check the paperwork that came with the car and call that shop and see if they know/remember anything...tho wouldn't I have trouble installing the stock 2bbl intake if the heads are milled?? went back together with no issues. Sorta new to me, never worked on a NON adjustable valvetrain....