Rough Idle Cause?

[Hintsy72]

My 80 stingray runs great and sounds just as good when going at higher speeds, but when its idling it just doesnt quite feel right. The timing seems off and it feels pretty rough at times. From research and friends I have heard everything from cam problems to a faulty carburetor to fuel line leaks to simply the tune of the engine. Should I be worried about this? and if so what should i do to single out the problem?

-Logan

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

Could be any one of the things you've suggested or more. Start with the easy stuff and go from there.

 

[frank_nesta]

The only thing I would add being a Corvette, I would also check for vacuum system for vacuum leaks.

I do not think it is a major issue.

 

[Rod Brown]

Tune it!

I would tune the engine and see if that cures your problem. Check the timing,clean or replace the plugs,inspect or replace spark plug wires, adjust or clean the carb,inspect the ignition components.If your car has points,adjust them and replace the springs in the distributor.Put some soap in a pan and mix it with water and swish the vacumn lines and look closely for bubbles.That is an indication of a vacumn leak. you didn't write if you have astock cam or a hot cam. A cam can cause your car to idle rough.Have you ever replaced the valve spring? They may have weakened after all these years.When it comes to rough idling almost everything on the ehgine can be the culprit. Its going to be a process of elimination. Rod