85 Civic GL - Carb issue (I Think).

[steve keene]

So, I bought a 1985 4dr Civic GL for $200CAD, had to replace the alternator and a CV joint, but otherwise, it was running ok, other than idling erratically and sometime stalling.. To try and solve the issue, grabbed a carb from a gl at the wreckers (that looked to be in much better shape, and the gasket at the bottom DEFINATELY was), and threw that on... now, whenever I first start the car, it'll go, but if i don't apply the gas or have the choke open, it basically drops down to 0rpm and stalls. If I rev it for about a minute, or have the choke open, it warms up and is fine..

Now, at that point, it idles, but it's not consistent.. bounces between 12/1500rpm, occasionally dropping down to 900, and sometimes when it hits below 1k, it'll drop off and stall.

HOWEVER.. with the "new" carb on, she's definately performing better.. definately much more speedy vs. the old carb.

Any suggestions on what I might check prior to going through attempting to rebuild my spare carb (which i've never done before!)?

Thanks for your help folks.

[pimpmcdaddies]

could have been as simple as a intake manifold gasket leak.did it run ok or better when started from cold?It will let more unwanted air in the system when cold...

[cvcc_wagon]

sounds very similar to the issue i just had with my trans am, sounds like a vacuum leak, check all the vacuum lines and make sure the base plate is sealing properly. to check you can take a can of quick start and spray it around the lines and the base plate in small bursts, when the engine suddenly revs up for a second you have found the area the leak is at.