231 stalling when cold

[a.graham52]

85 cutlass 231 v6, no check engine light, all stock.

Started up Monday morning, ran perfect for 2 solid seconds and then shut off like somone hit the key. Resulted in a no start for the remainder of the day. Got home swapped out ICM and enter due to that's what the auto parts store had in stock. Ignition wise everything's been replaced within 20k. Except for the icm which I just did.

Car did it to me this morning except it did restart. When it's running there are absolutely zero indications of an issue.

 

[pagrunt]

Check the choke for cold wether operation?

 

[olds307 and 403]

Probably the choke coil is set too light or getting weak, they do fail. Hot air or electric. It could also be a combination of the choke pull off opening too much as well.

 

[MrSony]

Adjust the choke pulloff (just manually open it with your fingers) to where the choke flap gets pulled open only 1/8" of an inch, get a new choke coil (may need to drill out rivets and put in self tapping screws, careful as they can break off the ears, I'd just tap the holes and use the corresponding screws), and see if it still does it. Make sure the fast idle linkage "snaps" up when you push the pedal down first thing.

 

[a.graham52]

choke seems to work ok, it will stay on high idle for a good 5-10 minutes after initial snap of the throttle. chock also snaps shut when its cold and you apply throttle to set it.

one thing i do know is regularly when i start it, it will idle up, slow down a little and then speed back up. only happens within the first 5 seconds of starting it. co-insides with when it stalled

 

[MrSony]

choke seems to work ok, it will stay on high idle for a good 5-10 minutes after initial snap of the throttle. chock also snaps shut when its cold and you apply throttle to set it.

one thing i do know is regularly when i start it, it will idle up, slow down a little and then speed back up. only happens within the first 5 seconds of starting it. co-insides with when it stalled

if it starts then stalls or wavers right after startup that's the pulloff out of adjustment. Usually too lean, aka choke flap open too much. Even 1/8" either way makes a big difference, especially if the carb is 100% in all other areas. mine did that too. Now, in sub zero temps, 2 pumps, click, wrrrrVoom. lights right off.

 

[pontiacgp]

did you check the timing?

 

[a.graham52]

Alright guys, I apparently need help adjusting the choke properly. I found the rear vaccume can not working right so I replaced it with a known good unit. However once the engine starts the blade will open probably 3/16 to 1/4" due to the slot the choke blade rod sits in. I cannot for the life of me figure out how to make it close more... only open further.

Second question what is the vacuum can on the front for? It has a screw attached to it and looks like when vacuum is applied it pushes a lever down. With no vacuum it just hangs out.

I included a picture with the engine running

 

[DoubleV]

You're saying the car refused to start for the remainder of the whole day after it stalled?

Are you able to feather the throttle to keep it running?

 

[a.graham52]

You're saying the car refused to start for the remainder of the whole day after it stalled?

I tried for 10 minutes before borrowing my roommates truck and going to work.

This Friday it wouldny start for me again. -3 out. Same thing all over. Ran great for maybe 2 seconds and cut out. I had my roommate crank it while I fed it starting fluid.