Idle problem 98 Volvo 4.3L 2 barl. carb.

[ahsah]

Just a little help needed. I have a 1998 4.3 Volvo SX 2 barrel carb. My main problem is it won’t start up at the idle position when warmed up – like it used to do. <br /><br />I just replaced the intake manifold, lined up the distributor (pointless electronic) to the marks when I took it out; then dropped it back in. It started right up no problem. Before we started her we cleaned and gapped the plugs (AC plugs: MR43T) to .035 and once started set the timing to 8 degrees BTDC. The engine was purring real nice at about 12 BTDC and actually seemed to de-tune a little when we set it to 8 BTDC. The distributor had white chalky corrosion (under the cap and inside distributor on aluminum parts) which I cleaned best I could. <br /><br />To time the motor, I just hooked the timing light to number one cylinder, and read it on the timing marks with the motor at idle speed– then rotated the distributor till it was at 8 degrees BTDC. Is there anything else I have to be aware of when doing timing of this motor? I’m from the old school, where vacuum advanced the timing. <br /><br />After running for 10-15 minutes in the water I shut it off, it used to fire right up in the neutral position at idle. Now I have to advance the throttle to the first click (by pushing the center button) and once started I can take it back to the idle position and it will idle. We ran it for a couple hours fishing, so it was started and stopped several times. <br /><br />I’ll get the new rotor and Dist cap, new plugs and maybe wires too – but I wanted to have it up and running first. <br /><br />I don’t post a lot but I do use the forum as a reference tool I have done a lot of searching here in the forums, what a great reference tool to have. <br /><br />Thanks Steve

 

[Don S]

Re: Idle problem 98 Volvo 4.3L 2 barl. carb.

Do you have the Delco EST distributor or the Prestolite distributor.<br />The prestolite has a purple and a black wire coming out of it, the Delco has 2 plugs for wire hookup.

 

[ahsah]

Re: Idle problem 98 Volvo 4.3L 2 barl. carb.

Don, sorry it took a couple days to get back to you on the distributor, it has two plugs on the back side - but only one is used, the other has a cap on it. There are two wires coming out of the one plug that is being used.<br /><br />So from your dscription I guess it is a Delco. <br /><br />We did put 3-4 hours on the motor over the weekend, it runs great other than the idle problem.<br /><br />Thanks again <br />Steve<br /><br />Don S. wrote Sept 5th, 2004 Do you have the Delco EST distributor or the Prestolite distributor.<br />The prestolite has a purple and a black wire coming out of it, the Delco has 2 plugs for wire hookup.<br />--------------------<br />Don S.<br />Ketchikan, Alaska

 

[Don S]

Re: Idle problem 98 Volvo 4.3L 2 barl. carb.

Yes, you have the Delco EST distributor, the bad news is you can't set the timing the way you did. You need to put a shunt on the spark advance in order to set the timing. It goes on the 4 pin plug on the distributor. You hook one wire to 12V and 2 of the pins are jumpered. A special plug is needed to do this. They aren't much and can be made if you had the proper ends. But then and only then can you set the timing. What you have now isn't even close.<br />You may even be able to get one at a local auto parts store. But you really need to get a manual for your engine to do it properly.

 

[ahsah]

Re: Idle problem 98 Volvo 4.3L 2 barl. carb.

Thanks Don - I really appreciate the information. I'll look into getting the plug. <br /><br />What a great thing this conference is. <br /><br />Steve

 

[blb0655]

Re: Idle problem 98 Volvo 4.3L 2 barl. carb.

Icant figure how to post a new thread