Yep, Ive talked about that several times. Cold, at 1/2 choke, I have to raise the idle a bit. Once its nice & warmed up, gotta tone it down a bit. Not a huge amount, but noticeable.

It's perfectly normal. When the engine is cold, the oil is thicker, thus higher internal drag. And the carburetor, manifold, and cylinder are colder, so the fuel doesn't vaporize as well. We are all so spoiled with electronic engine controls in cars that we forget the way the old ones used to work. That's why they tell you to make sure the engine is warm before you make adjustments.

mpescatori wrote on 08/25/09 at 04:34:00:


This is not my idea, but it is a good one.  Instead of just squrting a little WD40 at the cables, take then loose, top and bottom, cut the corner off a zip lock bag and rubber band it to the top and put some oil in there and hang it up, put a pan at the bottom to catch the oil when it comes out and let her soak overnight.

I did that and my cables worked much better.

Of course that might not have anything to do with your problem, but the cables will thank you.

WD40 is a penetration oil, and very thin. not the best long term lube IMO. I read people using heavy gear oil to lube up the cables.

I do notice mine idles in a similar fashion when hot/cold. i usually adjust her depending on my mood i supose, she gets lots of ongoing attention anyway  

Aye it makes sense I think I will go for the oil being thicker when cold as the carb and cables are spot on, it was just one of those things that kind of niggles now and then,,cheers all.

Same with my '96. Just don't forget to put choke in after a bit or you'll foul the plug.