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440 idle high and low

When was it rebuilt? How long has it been running? I presume it has not idled good since the rebuild. Standard stroke 440?

That cam has 90° of overlap. It will never idle good. But wondering idle still suggests a vacuum leak.
 
What vacuum readings do you have at idle with that cam?
If you have a low vacuum i would strongly recommend a Wagner PCV valve so you are able to tune it in on your application.
Standard PCV does not work well with low vacuum at idle...ask me how i know.
the vacuum was only 7 in ng vacuum
 
Put a timing light on it and watch the timing as the idle changes.... I'm betting the timing goes up & down directly in relation to the idle speed...

Looks like you have an MP electronic ignition? You have enough cam that in order to idle your on the edge of bringing in mechanical advance... And as soon as a couple degrees of timing come in the idle speed goes up... Then idle goes up more timing comes in... So the idle goes from 850-900 straight up to 2000+

The MP/DC electronic ignition is known for this...

Has any curve work been done to the distributor? Have you tried adding more timing to improve the vacuum?

generally more cam likes more initial timing, your engine probably would like 16-22 degrees of base timing... But if you crank in that much without limiting the total you'll hurt the engine....

I suggest you look into this...

http://4secondsflat.com/Mopar Mechanical timing limiter plate.htm

Plenty of us here could explain it but first use a timing light & verify thats your problem & if it is order the kit... The instructions are pretty good & will answer allot of your questions....

Proper timing setup is a big key to getting the most from your engine..
 
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the vacuum was only 7 in ng vacuum

I am getting the same vacuum and used the Wagner valve, a standard pcv will open fully at that low vacuum and feed way too much idle air to the engine causing increased rpm at idle as long as the fuel supports it.

What WildR/T said, if the advance is not steady it will be another issue that is likely to happen.
 
Put a timing light on it and watch the timing as the idle changes.... I'm betting the timing goes up & down directly in relation to the idle speed...

Looks like you have an MP electronic ignition? You have enough cam that in order to idle your on the edge of bringing in mechanical advance... And as soon as a couple degrees of timing come in the idle speed goes up... Then idle goes up more timing comes in... So the idle goes from 850-900 straight up to 2000+

The MP/DC electronic ignition is known for this...

Has any curve work been done to the distributor? Have you tried adding more timing to improve the vacuum?

generally more cam likes more initial timing, your engine probably would like 16-22 degrees of base timing... But if you crank in that much without limiting the total you'll hurt the engine....

I suggest you look into this...

http://4secondsflat.com/Mopar Mechanical timing limiter plate.htm

Plenty of us here could explain it but first use a timing light & verify thats your problem & if it is order the kit... The instructions are pretty good & will answer allot of your questions....

Proper timing setup is a big key to getting the most from your engine..
Damn, you hit the nail in the head. I haven't done anything to the distributor since I bought it but I think that limiter plate will help. the timing was around 13-15 so I pushed it to around 17 and it seems to be a little better. the idle still better around 950 and any lower will just be doing the same stuff (up-down)
 
I am getting the same vacuum and used the Wagner valve, a standard pcv will open fully at that low vacuum and feed way too much idle air to the engine causing increased rpm at idle as long as the fuel supports it.

What WildR/T said, if the advance is not steady it will be another issue that is likely to happen.
I looked at the wagner pcv it looks like it will definitely help
 
Damn, you hit the nail in the head. I haven't done anything to the distributor since I bought it but I think that limiter plate will help. the timing was around 13-15 so I pushed it to around 17 and it seems to be a little better. the idle still better around 950 and any lower will just be doing the same stuff (up-down)

Just Lucky.... LOL... BTDT... Allot of us have experienced what you had happening.. For awhile you scratch your head but once you figure out WTH is going on the fix is easy & effective...
 
The pictures are about the best I can get for now, it probably shows around 20 degrees and it seems to work better but the idle is between 900-980 or so. I think it may be what everyone is saying vacuum leak I just can't find it yet.

IMG_4520.JPG IMG_4521.JPG
 
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