<VV> ANFSCD, the idle

[Padgett]

Actually had it idling in drive for over five minutes this evening at 
650-700 rpm. Then dropped to 400-500 rpm, then died. Think a plug is 
fouling, could pull the #4 plug  wire without much happening. Went through 
the cycle several times - would suddenly drop several hundred rpm (300-400 
rpm & still running but shortly would just stop). If throttle opened 
slightly following drop it would rev back up to the previous idle and stay 
there for a while before suddenly dropping again.

Think I had it set too lean before, idle was much improved with another 
turn out on idle mixture on both carbs.

Being hearing impaired tracing odd sounds is difficult but pretty sure the 
source of the "death rattle" I was hearing is the idler pulley opposite the 
alternator. Only rattles below 600 rpm, goes away above. Anyone seen that 
before ? Can feel it in housing and stethoscope has it much louder on the 
housing by the pulley than on the alternator side & not on any case bolt. 
Earlier was mistaking the rattle for detonation but am reasonably sure is 
not the case now. Advance is now at 14 degrees initial and 42 degrees total 
at 2000 rpm which sounds about right. More important advance with Petronix 
II is rock steady from 450-900 rpm (below 450 the timing light seems to 
shut off)

Did have flickering lights so replaced the voltage regulator with a Wells 
VR715 solid state unit. Bolted right in and now have steady 14.2 vdc. When 
running. Have talked with the Wells people before and like their products 
even though most are inexpensive (plug). Am slowly getting all of the bits 
straightened out.

Just checked #4 and plug looks good, bit sooty but not oily, compression 
(cooled off) is 155 psi but same same - warmed up idles at 900 N 700 D 
until suddenly Heathkit display is lost, & drops to 350-450 rpm, and can 
pull #4 plug wire with no change. Rev and comes back for a while. Did 
improve when I opened up mixture screws a turn, now at 2.5 turns.

BTW while was at it checked the stall on the converter and wide open/brakes 
locked was 1600 rpm so probably down a bit on power (Bob's book says should 
be 1800 rpm) but felt very smooth. Seems that slight misfire comes on at 
high vacuum/light load which is exactly where a secondary ignition problem 
would show up.

Think next step is to go to a hotter coil and open up the gaps to .045" and 
see what happens. When revved can just feel a bit of misfire but not at all 
steady, more occasional so may also look into different plugs, just not 
comfortable with the W8ACs given the improved ignition system.

Enough for tonight. As always opinions welcome (other than "replace the 
idler pulley NOW" - know that. Do not want coming apart in face or on road. 
Will not leave garage until fixed. Any generic replacement parts ?)

Padgett