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Classic/Antique Car Repair/1970 Oldsmobile 2 barrel carburetor

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Expert: - 3/5/2008


Question
ok i have a problem my 1970 olds idles very rough when in gear. i have a feeling that its the carburetor but ive tried many times to set it and still nothing. does anybody know the proper settings for a 1970 olds 350 2 barrel rochester carb?

Answer
I am going to make a suggestion before you start messing around with the carburetor. I would suggest that you take a compression check of the engine to make sure that All cylinders are capable of producing power. That is the first step. If the compression is more than 25% low on any cylinder then the engine will never run smooth. While the spark plugs are out, read them for color. A good running cylinder the tip color will be light tan. Fluffy black indicates rich mixture, white indicates lean, and oil black is oil consumption. After the compression test clean and gap as needed or replace the plugs and then let me know and we can get into the carburetor adjustments.
Brad

Classic/Antique Car Repair

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Brad Sears

Expertise

All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.

Experience

Automotive tech instructor. Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's. Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated. Auto instructor for the following companies: Fram Autolyte Holly Carter AMF Ford Motor University Of Conn Blue Hills Technical School Sugar River Technical Center Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.

Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.

Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember. Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.

Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.

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