Expert: Roger J.M. Warrington - 11/4/2005

Question
Hi Roger,
I have a '38 Ford w/a 350 Chevy engine 350 trans, Edlebrock 650 and a Performer intake. Here is what happens:
At times when I start it it runs great, idles at about 950 rpm everything is fine. I can start it the next day and it runs rough, will not hold an idle. It is as if a plug wire is off or timming is not correct. I've checked both and both are ok. I have looked for vacuum leaks, nothing. The engine is s Smeding crate motor and has run great. This problem started about 2 weeks ago. Being a street rod it is not driven daily, but it is started and run at least once a week for 15 to 20 min. To me it seems like a fuel or carb problem but what bothers me is that it has all of the symptoms of an ignition issue. Any advice will be appreciated.
Thanks

Answer
HEA Chet;
       does it have a choke ? and do you have a regular
stock fuel pump ? I would first look at a choke prob.and I would install a elect. fuel pump with that set up any ways. do you have a cam in it,or is it a stock cam? it would be real nice with a 327 fuely cam in it, and with 202 heads. but what you have is fine,I would look at a carb. condition it sounds as if it is a choke like condition and/or a fuel type prob. again I would install a elect fuel pump anyway.
did you adj. the carb. try to  lea it out a bit more. ok
Roger