Hi guys - This is my first post.
I recently picked up a 1963 Valiant 200 Convertible, it was the 1st car I owned but it was a Signet back then, since Im a tad older now, I went for the convertible..... It has a 225 slant six, w/ a one barrel holley. As the title of my post states, I can get it to run at fast idle, but it won't run when the idle is lowered, I even had to take the idle spring out to have the set screw in as far as possible.
The car ran fine when I bought it, and after a couple months the engine started giving us idle problems, we found an intake leak, so i replace the intake manifold gasket. No more leak. I've checked the vacumm advance and it seems ok. I've changed the points,plugs, dist cap, rotor, and wires. I drained most of the fuel out and put new in. I also had the carb rebuilt by a carb shop. No help - so I ordered a rebuild kit and did it myself, no change. I tried to adjust the timing, but there is no timing indicator to check it against so I did it as best I can. Some folks tell me the low idle circuit may be clogged in the Holley 1920 carb and it's VERY difficult to clear it.
One thing I'll mention is that the idle mixture screw on the carb doesn't do much at all. I can get it to run at FAST idle, but when I let it down it dies...
Any help would be appreciated - Thanks

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Tide and time wait for no man so ENJOY

It does sound as if you have carburetor problems. Carburetor operation and repair manuals and links to training movies and carb repair threads are posted here for free download. See also here. General tune-up parts and technique suggestions in this thread. Make sure you have the three books in this thread.

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

Dan - thanks for the references but I've already seen those articles and read thru them. That's how I found this forum(via google). I looked at a bunch of Slant Six Dan responses and learned a bunch from them - so THANK YOU.
I had a slant six back in the 70's it was a 170hp in a Valiant Signet - so I'm somewhat familiar w/ them.
My son in law is also an ASME certified mech - and we're stumped on how to clear the carb's slow idle circuit out.
Also, he thinks the intake valves may need adjusting - but I just don't see how they could just go "bad" over night...
Was looking for anyway to clean the slow idle circuit or any other thots on what the problem Im experiencing could be.
Thanks again - safe motoring!!

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Tide and time wait for no man so ENJOY

Okeh, but the rest of your response suggests that you actually haven't.
They might.
They couldn't.
:shrug: I gave you links that directly address this question in several ways—it's up to you to choose whether to use them or not.
There was no 170hp slant-6 engine offered in North America.

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

Thanks for the somewhat "rude" response....I was 17 when I bought that first slant six and I was told it was the "BIG 6" - not knowing better I thot it was the 225.
I came to this forum for HELP - not criticism
I hope you enjoyed picking my comments apart this time as you won't have an opportunity to do it again. Goodbye!!

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Tide and time wait for no man so ENJOY

I'm so very sorry for having the bad manners to point you directly at the information you requested.

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

This problem you discribe can have a number of causes so careful trouble-shooting is needed... But...

One possible cause is that the Holley has a plugged idle circuit. If that is the case, all you can do is try to dis-assemble the carb and carefully clean all the passages, with special attention on the idle circuit passages, then re-assemble and test the unit.

Trouble, is... the Holley 1920 has a metering block inside that is pretty well sealed-up at the factory, making them difficult, if not impossible to clear, once clogged.
DD

Y'know, you're right. I was unnecessarily snippy with you. I apologise.

The advice to apply the shooter straw on a can of good quality spray carburetor cleaner to both the small and the tiny air passageways facing the sky towards the front of the carburetor throat to see if you can flush out the blockage is probably buried too deep in the links to be easily found.

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

And I was probably too sensitive - Thanks Dan, I know you meant well.
It's just frustrating me, will try your latest recommendation on the small air passage cleaning.
Take care - Enjoy the day

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Tide and time wait for no man so ENJOY

It's best not to let the pit bull answer the front door, but sometimes he gets off his leash...

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O==\=/==O

"A mechanic is Somebody."
- Jim Preston

Ok - I know it's been a while since my last post - but I've been working on my boat and enjoying the summer so haven't gave you guys an update on my situation. I tried a bunch of different things but finally I got a spare carb of a different list # and jury rigged it up and it ran a bit better, so I went back to my original carb. Took it apart again - but this time I focused on the low idle circuit and used ACETONE to clean it along w/ compressed air. I took out the air mix screw, cleaned the screw hole w/ acetone, cleaned the small inlet inside the carb body, again more air, and held my finger over the slotted opening and blew in air again. It felt like something gave a bit as the acetone no longer dripped out the throat so I hooked it up and it ran like a charmer. Just wanted to give everyone an update in case this helps someone else having carb problems - love that acetone!!!
Thanks to all - especially the "pit bull" Dan !!!

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Tide and time wait for no man so ENJOY