Carbed 1971 914 Won't Idle Slow

[cimedaca]

So after new gas,fuel filter, plugs, and an air filter my 914 that I bought last summer will finally actually start much of the time without starter fluid. I also think I won't burn through starters now that I replaced the ignition switch. Loved the help here on Pelican.. but definitely that was a level 4 instead of a level 3 job on a 1971. I may even try to post some photos later because the steering column and switch are a lot different.

Anyway... the person I purchased the car from had the idle setup around 2000 rpm. If I set it down much below that it will run rough and die frequently. Even at 2000 rpm the car wants to just die sometimes. It does much better after getting warmed up... but still not great. I may even idle pretty well at 1500 rpms when warm.

I have read a lot of posts here.. and that is why I changed all the thing I have changed. I hate to say this.. but I don't even know what type of carbs I have.. but the engine is a 1.7 and when I take the air cleaner off I see what looks like two air intakes. I suppose I should maybe take a photo. I can't see any writing on the carburetor.

I will also say I know it is not a powerful engine... but it still doesn't seem like it has enough power at higher RPMs sometimes. That is not always just because I am in the wrong too high of gear due to the shifting issues I need to tackle next. In the end I am wondering if there is something seriously wrong with the engine.

Anyway.. any ideas where should I look first.. what should I check first? Any help appreciated.

Dave

[Curt914]

Need a bit more info.

First, is this a single carb setup or is it a dual carb setup.

Single carb would locate the carb roughly in middle of the engine up on four runners.

Dual carb setups would have a carb mounted on each side of the engine, directly over each cylinder head,
with some kind of linkage connecting the two carbs together to the throttle cable.

Next, have you checked the ignition timing of the engine?


A picture of the carburetter(s) would be a help plus a picture of the distributor. Side views are better than top view pictures in this case.
The car originally came with fuel injection and are often modified to a single or dual carb setup.
Also, quite often, the distributor is changed out from the original.

I reread your post, looks lilke you may be talking about a single carb setup. Not sure.

Identifying what kind of carbs and distributor you have on there is the first place to start.


Also, roughly, where are you located? There are some areas of the country that have a bunch of 914 enthusiasts that might be able to lend a hand.

Well, good luck,

Curt

[cimedaca]

Thank you for the reply. Based on your explanation I definitely have a single carb. I think I will take photos and post them later.

Have not checked the ignition timing. I am so clueless I wasn't aware that could cause my issue. Good to know that could be it since I have read about it. That is something I just need to take a deep breath and get into next... but yes hoped to find some local guidance for that.

I am in Des Moines, Iowa. I not thinking I am going to have much luck finding local enthusiasts.

As of today for the first time.... the darned car won't fire at all... even with starter fluid. So now I don't even know if I am getting a spark. Will have to look on here for that issue now first. A couple days ago after changing out the several things it was firing up better.

Dave

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

If you can get the car down to East Peoria, talk to Brad Mayeur at 914 Limited. He's been working on these cars since they were new, and there isn't a whole lot that he doesn't know about them! You can Google for his contact info.

--DD

[SGB]

It doesn't have to run to adjust the valves...

That is a MUST before any carb or timing stuff.

Its not hard. Good tech article right here...http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/914_valve_adjust/914_valve_adjust.htm

[cimedaca]

So.. I replaced the points... and that would have fixed it if I had them installed correctly. A friend of a friend to came over.. showed me how to actually install the points... and all is well with starting. He also tweaked on the carbs for 20 minutes and it idles pretty darned well and under 1000 rpm!

So... except for the normal fun 1971 tail shifter/shifting challenges.. it is very drivable. Well.. the most drivable it has every been. Of course now the clutch is clearly slipping and going out.

So.. I know how to change the points correctly now. Didn't catch all the carb adjustments. Not sure if I am going to get the kit here and attempt the clutch myself yet.. but thanks to all that helped.

Dave