Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Idle adjustment if too low or high

[JGheen]

Does anyone have any links or advice on how to adjust the idle on the 12v?? I heard that there are a couple different ways, like tampering with the Governor spring nuts or the adjustment screw on the back on the AFC housing. I am going to be installing my 3K GSK this weekend and wanted to get some advice on idle adjustment if it it too low or high, besides adjusting the nuts on the spring studs. Thanks.

 

[bighammer]

There is a bolt at the rear of the throttle linkage. (10mm) It's about impossible to see, but if you get a mirror to find it, you can do it by feel. Just don't get the springs too loose because the springs will set a higher idle and you will have to adjust them again.

 

[Joe G.]

The idle speed should always be adjusted with the screw on the back on the pump. All you need is a 10mm box end wrench to do the job. There is a picture of it on this page: http://www.dodgeram.org/tech/dsl/adjustments/2nd_Gen-Idle.htm



Just loosen the lock nut. Then you should be able to turn the adjustment screw with your fingers to set the idle if you take the pressure off the screw by pulling the throttle with your left hand.

 

[T. Baker]

Just a little note here: there is usually a little worn spot where the throttle arm has ben resting. As you turn the screw you will get uneven results as the throttle arm rides up and down out of the low spot it wore in the top of the bolt - not really a problem but it can be a bit confusing when it speeds up even though you are backing the screw off.

 

[JGheen]

Well, what if the idle is too low or too high after my 3K GSK install?? Would I have to go back into the pump and adjust the nut down or up?? Or can you just adjust it from the screw on the back of the pump? I would think you would try and adjust it with the spring nuts cuz that is what I tampered with.

 

[Joe G.]

The GSK changes the way the governor responds. DO NOT try to adjust the idle there. Do the idle with the idle adjustment screw. I do it with the engine running after I have the lock nut loose.

 

[JGheen]

Ok, 2 things... . so why would the directions for the GSK say that if the idle is too low or high, go back into the pump and tighten the nuts down to bring the idle up and loosen it to bring it down??

The second thing is... ... you say adjust the idle on the back of the AFC housing with the engine running?? I would assume you just tinker with the adjustment screw in very small turns right, like 1/4 to 1/8 or turns or until it sounds smooth and is around 700-800 revs??





Edit: Also, I have had other knowledgeable people thell me not to mess with the adjustment screw on the back on the AFC, not sure why but I will see if I can find the post again.

 

[DSiemens]

If you got your 3K GSK from PDR, his instructions are quite good. The first time is the toughest. Just take your time. If the install goes well, your idle will be very close and might not even require adjustment.

 

[T. Baker]

JGheen,

The Idle screw is not the screw on the back of the AFC. It is the little bolt that sitts under the throttle lever and is in a vertical position. There is nothing you can hurt by messing with it. Just make sure you have the lock nut undone before trying to turn it. Two 10mm wrenches IIRC are what you need - preferable one stubby. Also you will somthing to stand on to get in ther unless you are 8' tall. Do it with the engine running and warm.

 

[JGheen]

Ok, so if the idle is to low or too high after my 3K install, should I just try to set it by re-adjusting the spring nut on the governor spring or just adjust it with the 10mm screw on the linkage?? BTW, thanks for clarifying the location of the idle set screw.

 

[Joe G.]

I've found that adjusting the idle is really easy with the engine running. Break loose the lock nut. Start the engine. Put your left hand on the lever where the throttle cable pulls and your right on the idle stop screw on the back of the pump. Wind it up a little with your left hand and turn the screw with your right. Let go of the throttle lever and see where the idle is. Repeat until it's where you want. Tighten the lock nut. You only need one wrench.

 

[T. Baker]

I said two wrenches because I tended to find that whan I locked the lock nut the screw would move a little so I held it in position with the other wrench but you could do it with one.



JGheen,

If you seem to have proper throttle response then I would leave the Gov springs alone - they are such a PIA. When I installed mine the way the said they sure seemed kind of loose and I was always afraid on of those nuts would just fall off but it doesn't seem to happen.

I say just adjust the idle at the screw - you have nothing to loose. You might have to readjust the Gov. springs but wait till you see what you got. Seem to me I recall that there is somthing in the directions about adjusting the idle screw afterwards and if you couldn't get a proper idle with the screw then you go back and adjust the Gov. springs - but it has been a while.