Scotty, Love your channel. Not sure you are old enough to have worked on a 1979 Honda Civic, but maybe you can help me? My Honda (formerly was my dads' car) has an idle issue. On startup, the car wants to die. If it runs and gets to operational temperature it idles ok -- but still at times has the diming lights and power drops. I just recently replaced the alternator and battery and ignition coil. On a multimeter, the voltage doesn't stay constant (keeps jumping around like a kangaroo -- is this normal?). After a few minutes when it warm up, it seems to be a little better for idling (not as erratic). I think it could be the external voltage regulator or maybe an air idle solenoid --- any ideas or suggestions you have to fix this problem? Am I on the right track?
Thanks, Jackson
Heck I'm 67 years old I worked on many of those. Generally it's the stupid guy and carburetor that they put on him you need to rebuild it. Oh we used to take him and throw them away and put on Italian Weber carburetors that are 10 times better
It sounds like the choke on the carburetor is not setting properly when the engine is cold (no high idle). Either rebuild the carb or get a Weber 32/36 DGEV.
Thank you, Mr.Kilmer And Doc! Scotty, I had no idea you are 67 -- you look much younger! I forgot to mention, it has a brand new carburetor (bought it off of rock auto). Doc, I think you could be right about the choke! Rigt now, the choke is super sensitive -- when I pull it just a few millimeters it idles super fast.. not only does the choke butterfly valve open, but the choke also opens the throttle valve butterfly. Not sure if that is proper, but it seems to run ok. Good old Honda engineering. I'll have to look more into the choke -- good suggestion.
How do you set the choke on the carburetor properly when the engine is cold?
Sending love, thanks Scotty K, Doc! You da best!
When you press on the fast pedal with a cold engine, the choke plate closes. When you let up on the pedal, the throttle plate opens a little and so does the choke plate. These carbs have to be adjusted to specs by someone who knows what they're doing.
I figured out the problem today. It was a combination of a poor alternator and an external voltage regulator. After changing out the regulator, and alternator, the idling problem has gone away. Simple fix! 🙂 love it.