Is 1200rpm too high for idle?

[oregonmon]

For some reason today my 911 SC decided to start idling at 1200 sometimes 1300rpm. It wasn't cold either. That's gotta be too high. I had been around 900rpm before.

[stlrj]

Most engine compartments have a sticker with basic tune up information like that.

[wswilburn]

The answer to the question you asked is: a 1200 RPM idle will burn a little more gas, but otherwise no problem.

The question you didn't ask is: Why did my idle speed suddenly change? You should track it down. A vacuum leak is a possibility. That will cause lean running and higher engine temp.

BTW my 82 SC specifies the idle speed as 950 RPM.

[oregonmon]

I did find the tag on the engine compartment says idle between 900-1000rpm.
When I pull the oil filler cap the idle does go down. I have not ran the car today yet but I do want to see if anything has changed.
Thanks for the replies so far guys.
I really need to order some repair manuals.

[Tyson Schmidt]

make sure your AAR is getting power.

it's the thing on the right in between the #4 and #5 intake runners. Pull the connector off and check for power at one of the terminals. (with the engine running) the other should have ground.

Also check the advance mechanism in the distributor for free movement.

And of course vacuum leaks, like the others mentioned.

[AZNPLUMBER]

i have the same problem

[schoward]

I had a similar issue. turned out the advance flyweights in the the dist. were hanging up. Little lube solved problem. do a search . some say that adding a little lube under the rotor/felt is 'overlooked' maintenance.

If you can slow it back down to normal with a little half blip release of the clutch, that may be your problem

just a possibility.

[oregonmon]

Anyone have a pic of the advance flyweights I should be looking for.
Sorry I have not yet started tinkering on this car, and my mechanical knowledge is minimal to say the least.
Thanks guys.

[Walter_Middie]

Oregonmon,

You can't see the weights unless you take the distributor apart. But you may not need to - you can remove the distributor cap, then pull the rotor off. Underneath the rotor, there is a small piece of felt in the middle of the distributor shaft. Pull out the felt, and drop some light oil down the shaft. Replace the felt, rotor, and cap. This is an often overlooked, but very important maintenance item. If you advance weights are not free to move, you will be sacrificing engine performance. This sounds like it may fix your problem.

[Nine9six]

Do yourself a favor...Order a Bentley manual for your car.

[Gunter]

Originally posted by oregonmon
Anyone have a pic of the advance flyweights I should be looking for.
Sorry I have not yet started tinkering on this car, and my mechanical knowledge is minimal to say the least.
Thanks guys.

Hmmm........................
A Bentley SC Repair Manual is a must; read, read and read some more.
With limited mechanical skills, you'll have a handicap.
Some easy stuff like changing oil, filter, plugs etc. is alright but be careful about doing more harm than good.
Do a search on how to check the AAR, lots of info.

Walter:
Oiling UNDER the felt plug is good but the oil will not reach the pivot-points of the weights. For that, you'll need to dismantle the distributor. Do a search under my name. I posted a detailed description on how to do it the easy way.
Oil under the felt will lube the upper portion of the distributor shaft for the mechanical advance but not the weights and springs.
You'll be surprised how much dirt/gunk is in there.

[Walter_Middie]

Gunter,

Glad to see you jumped on here - your distributor advice is always excellent.

Oiling UNDER the felt plug is good but the oil will not reach the pivot-points of the weights.

I was just trying to keep it simple to start with.