Tickover confusion...

[ashleywakeling]

Hi there, having a little bit of a problem getting the right tickover,

Previously i felt she was running too slow becuase everything was vibrating whilst waiting at lights and there was a very low pitched noise as the whole car shook (very irritating). So i sped it up, she nows moves by pulling the clutch up slightly, i can reach about 2mph in first gear without touching any pedals (hence i feel this is too fast). I can take the tickover RIGHT down (completely unscrew it) and it doesnt stall, i have a new jet in my carb so its not becuase shes running too rich. what kind of noise should i be getting at perfect tickover and any tips on how to get it spot on?

Thanks - Ashley

[Dean]

There's no real science, I generally set mine just above stall. If the screw is right out and not stalling, then something isn't closing fully. Is the choke lever returning fully on the carb when the choke is pressed fully home? If not you may need adjust the lever.

[bmcecosse]

You need to make sure the fast idle screw (operates from the choke mech) is not touching the throttle cam. Then with engine fully warm - set the idle nice and slow - and then advance and retard the ignition timing slightly on the vernier until you get the best/smoothest idle. Reset the speed if necessary - then experiment with the mixture nut - screwing it up and down until you get the smoothest/nicest steady idle. You may then want to try again with the timing....... then road test to make sure there is no pinking (if there is - retard the timing until there is not...) and then after a brisk run, switch off without driving in traffic (or idling) and pull out a plug - to inspect the colour. Should be light beige. Black is too rich and white is too weak.