Pelican Parts Forums - 911sc irregular idle solved

Wow, I solved my irregular idle problem. My 1983 911sc would idle high when warm would oscillate and surge when cold. Then sometimes would be right on where it should be. I thought the problem was the fuel system until the ignition distributor started to make noises and the idling got worse. I could detect a pattern the distributor grumblings and a surge in the engine idle. It sounded like something had got loose in the distributor and was binding with something in advance chamber of the distributor. I took the distributor apart and found a spring loose from the mechanical advance weights. I hooked it back up, re-install and the idle problem is gone! It is "ROCK STEADY" idle now! After re-install of distributor I had to adjust the ignition timing, it seems to me the last time it was adjusted it was influence by the particular position if the loose mechanical weight. I summary I think the my idle surges and irregular idle, was caused by timing advance issues-the free floating mechanical advance weight.

The next thing is where can I get the little plastic bushings used for mounting the mechanical advance springs in the distributor? Mine are gone, I ended up pinching the springs hooks to make sure they stay on.