Pinto Car Club of America

Welcome to FordPinto.com, The home of the PCCA => General Help- Ask the Experts... => Topic started by: Trigger01 on January 14, 2008, 07:30:14 PM

Title: Pinto Idling High: Help!
Post by: Trigger01 on January 14, 2008, 07:30:14 PM
I have a '78 2.3 4cyl that likes to idle high. It doesn't help that it's cold. I crank it up and let it run for a few minutes before I drive it and it still idles high. I don't even have to use the gas when I let out on the clutch. After a while of driving it it will go back down to normal idle, sometimes after 5 miles,sometimes after 15 miles. Any idea what's causing this?
Thanks in advanced for the help!
-Mike
Title: Re: Pinto Idling High: Help!
Post by: r4pinto on January 14, 2008, 07:34:26 PM
I noticed the repair books mention an idle speed control motor. If you have that on your Pinto & it's bad it will cause exactly what you're describing. Pretty common on later model Fords, & have seen it on a Ranger carb I bought once before.
Title: Re: Pinto Idling High: Help!
Post by: Trigger01 on January 14, 2008, 07:45:18 PM
Thanks, I will look into that. I am glad I don;t have to deal with a carb on my Ranger.
Title: Re: Pinto Idling High: Help!
Post by: 77turbopinto on January 14, 2008, 07:46:10 PM
I think the Pintos have a vac. idle control. I am not sure what years they had them, but I think 78 or 79 to 80. Easy to tell.  

Might just need a choke adjustment.

Have your tried to do a "kick down" (a very quick stomp on the gas pedal)?

Bill
Title: Re: Pinto Idling High: Help!
Post by: Trigger01 on January 14, 2008, 07:59:06 PM
Quote from: 77turbopinto on January 14, 2008, 07:46:10 PM
I think the Pintos have a vac. idle control. I am not sure what years they had them, but I think 78 or 79 to 80. Easy to tell.  

Might just need a choke adjustment.

Have your tried to do a "kick down" (a very quick stomp on the gas pedal)?

Bill

Every time, occasionally it works, but doesn't most of the time.
Title: Re: Pinto Idling High: Help!
Post by: 77turbopinto on January 14, 2008, 08:07:54 PM
Not to make 'light' of your situation, but I bet there are LOTS of Pinto owners out there that have NO PITY for you; they WISH their chokes worked, at all!!


Bill
Title: Re: Pinto Idling High: Help!
Post by: Pintony on January 15, 2008, 10:10:39 AM
Possibly a broken rheostat coil in the choke housing???
From Pintony
Title: Re: Pinto Idling High: Help!
Post by: dave1987 on January 16, 2008, 03:40:08 PM
Your engine is probably using the Holly 5200 like most 78 4cyl's I've seen. If so, it probably needs some adjustments done, primarily to the choke.

I have three copies of the adjustment "manual" (two sided piece of paper) for the Holley 5200. I will try to scan one and post it here so you can get your choke adjusted.

A moody choke isn't fun, I know it myself. But once you get it working, it's well worth all the time and effort. :)