Expert: Jim Holsbeck - 10/17/2007

Question
I set the rpm to 800 on a 350 chevy when it is in drive when i put it back in park it goes to 1400 rpm is the Timeing off or is this normal

Answer
Les,
   It really depends on the year of vehicle, but typical idle rpm should be around 500 and in gear rpm around 400 or so. A big jump like that would indicate to me that your fuel/air mixture is off, your idle screw is set too high, or you have a vacuum issue somewhere. You might have the timing too far advanced as well, so start with that and work around the other things till you hit on the right combo. Of course, all of this assumes a carburated engine. Timing should begin around 10-12 degrees BTC (before top dead center). Good Luck.