Idle slow to reach fast idle at cold startup

[cgarriock]

For carb problem solvers out there, I have a rebuilt 65 289 with 2150 2bbl that is slow to reach fast idle when cold starting (used to have a 6 cylinder, so the V8 is new to me) Auto electric choke and choke pull down working fine, it's just that first minute or so after starting( with fast idle cam set and choke pulled slightly open) the rpm are down around 600, and gradually increase to about 1500. During that time I can't drive (C4) without it stalling. After full fast idle is met, can start moving fine. Is this normal in cold weather for this carb and engine or something still out of adjustment or what? Any thoughts/comments greatly appreciated, thanks

 

[73azbronco]

Do you push down on throttle once before start? Sounds like not, and it's vibrating to more closed on choke.

 

[cgarriock]

Do you push down on throttle once before start? Sounds like not, and it's vibrating to more closed on choke.

Yes, I push the pedal once or twice, the choke closes all the way, the fast idle cam sets, then I turn ignition and engine will start pretty quick, vacuum pulls choke partially open, engine runs slow rpm but gradually speeds up to fast idle speed, takes a minute to a minute and a half

 

[DirtDonk]

You said the choke pull-off is set. But have you checked it to make sure it’s pulling the choke open quite enough?
Sometimes there’s that fine balance between where it’s happy and where it’s not.
If you can do it while the air filter is off and you are under the hood, maybe try manually opening the choke just a fraction of an inch more to see if that changes anything.

Other than that, have you checked the ignition timing to make sure that you’re getting the proper Sparkage?

 

[Slowleak]

It sounds like you may need to do some adjustments to the choke fast idle mechanisms. There is a choke fast idle adjustment screw, pull-down adjustment screw, and the thermostat housing adjustment which can all affect this. Also, make sure you are getting 12v to the thermostat when the engine is running and that the fast idle screw is on the top step of the cam when cold with the choke set.

I followed the procedure in the Ford manual and mine works perfectly. Here is the process.

 

[cgarriock]

Thank you for the instructions, I'll go through it with this procedure and see if it makes a difference

You said the choke pull-off is set. But have you checked it to make sure it’s pulling the choke open quite enough?
Sometimes there’s that fine balance between where it’s happy and where it’s not.
If you can do it while the air filter is off and you are under the hood, maybe try manually opening the choke just a fraction of an inch more to see if that changes anything.

Other than that, have you checked the ignition timing to make sure that you’re getting the proper Sparkage?

Thanks, I'll git this a try. I set the choke plate clearence to 1/4" but havent tried adjusting it yet

 

[73azbronco]

also try three, then four pumps of gas. Make small adjustments or you'll be fast idle at running temp.

When was last tune up, plugs points wires dizzy cap etc?

 

[cgarriock]

also try three, then four pumps of gas. Make small adjustments or you'll be fast idle at running temp.

When was last tune up, plugs points wires dizzy cap etc?

Thanks! Its all new, completely new rebuilt, Pertronix distributor, new wires and plugs. Right now my idle at temp is about 850-900 in park, 600 in drive