Engine - Erratic Idle Speeds

Article No:
82-15-8

07/30/82

Erratic Idle Speeds (1.6L Engine)

Ford
1981-82 All Escort, EXP

Lincoln-mercury
1981-82 All LYNX, LN7

Warning:
This Modification Is Authorized Only For The Listed Engines. Performing This Modification On Other Engine Calibrations Is Unauthorized And Could Create Liability Under Applicable Federal Or Local Laws.

Erratic engine idle speeds on 1981-82 1.6 liter engines may be caused by a mispositioned or improperly adjusted carburetor fast idle cam spring and can be serviced in the following manner.


1. Remove the carburetor from the vehicle as outlined in the 1982 Escort/Lynx Powertrain Shop Manual -Group 24-13.
2. Remove the choke cap, retaining ring, and index spacer, and retain.

Figure 9:

3. Disconnect the choke overcenter spring from the top post (Figure 9).

Figure 10:

4. Observe the fast idle cam spring tab, it should be located to the left of the fast idle cam lever (Figure 10). In addition, observe that the fast idle cam spring tab is located in the slot of the choke coil spring lever, (Figure 9). If the spring is positioned properly, proceed to Step 5, if not, proceed to Step 6.


Adjustment:

5. Place the fast idle screw on the second highest step of the fast idle cam. Apply a choke closing force by moving the choke coil spring lever counterclockwise. Measure the gap between the cam spring tab and the fast idle cam lever, setting should be 2.O-3.O mm (.079 -.118) (Figure 10). If an adjustment is necessary, bend the fast idle cam lever, using a needle-nose pliers, to achieve the desired setting. Install the over-center spring index spacer, choke cap, retaining ring and screw and rivets. Proceed to Step # 7.

6. If inspection in Step 4 reveals that the fast idle cam spring is not properly positioned:

a. Remove the carburetor air horn, float and needle and discard the air horn gasket.

Figure 11:

b. Remove the bi-metal choke housing shaft nut (8 mm) and washer on the back of the choke housing (Figure 11). Remove the choke link lever disengaging from the choke housing shaft (2 sided flat).

Figure 12:

c. Carefully slide the complete bi-metal shaft assembly out of the choke housing. If the cam spring has become dislodged from the choke coil lever slot, reposition the spring by inserting the cam spring into the locating hole (Figure 10) and rotating the spring tab clockwise to allow the choke coil lever to enter slot (Figure 12) and snap counterclockwise in the slot.

d. Carefully install the bi-metal shaft assembly into the choke housing paying particular attention to the following:

1. Use caution not to roll or damage teflon bushing (Figure 12).

Figure 13:

2. Both bi-metal shaft arms must be to the left of the fast idle cam molded plastic steps (Figure 13).

3. The cam spring tab must be located to the left of the fast idle cam lever (Figure 10 and Figure 13).

Install the choke link lever, washer and nut. Torque to 1.6 Nm (14.2 in-lbs.) insure freedom of movement of the choke mechanism.

e. Using a new air horn gasket, install the float and inlet needle and assemble the air horn to the main body-return to Step 5 and perform the adjustment.

OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: None

WARRANTY STATUS: Reimbursable within the provisions of the Warranty and Policy Manual.

OPERATION: SP 9510-B-82
TIME: 1.1 Hrs.

DLR. CODING: Basic Part No. DRIVE Code: H4