RPM question (2 part question)

[Bud Fox]

when looking at my tach when the truck is warmed up, my needle seems to move up and down slightly when I am idle. I does not move drastically but up and down( say if I idle at 800 for instance it may move from 780 to 820 when idle) is this normal or seem to relate to a problem?





I adjusted my idle the other day because it was low at startup. Now it has a harder time starting than before. Idle is about 500 at startup. I adjusted the rod the right way but it made it worse any suggestion? THANKS

 

[Rammin On]

Bud fox . .



You should not be adjusting your idle with the throttle rod ... use the idle adjustment screw ... . you are way too low @ 500 ... you should idle at 750 with the trans in drive and your A/C on ...



Keith

 

[Bud Fox]

I am sorry- I did use the idle adjustment screw. 500 is in park when I first start. In drive I am right about there with the AC on

 

[Joe G.]

Bud, Keith is right. 500 is way too slow. It's probably staggering a little at that RPM. When mine starts the tach needle looks like it's painted on the dial. I set it at 750 with a warm engine in D with the AC on.

 

[Evan A. Beck]

Set it at 900 with the engine warmed up. This will make cold starts much easier.

 

[SlyBones]

I have mine set 1 needle above 750 when in drive and AC on. Help out idling on those cold start mornings and starts easier. Just this tiny bit made a difference.



Let me rephrase. Instead of the needle hitting centered right on the 750 mark. The botton if the needle is at the top mark.