cars runnin rich....how to i adjust it?

[random hero]

i just bought myself a 1972 ford maverick all stock. 200ci I6. its running real rich, how do i adjust it? any help?

also it stalls at idle, it's cold and wet out right now, think that might be the problem. and if it doesn't stall at idle(in park) i put it in gear(automatic) and it will stall due to the load on it i believe. do i need to turn up the idle?

 

[addo]

Have you done a basic tuneup yet?

I'd look at air filter, ignition condenser, set the dwell (not points gap), plug gap and base timing.

See how far that gets you. Then, if needed, we can look at fuelling issues.

 

[pedal2themetal45]

welcome aboard
As Addo says start with a tune up... (72 I think is electronic dizzy YES ,,, NO???). So you just might need plugs and maybe plug wires & carb cleanner, then adjust the carb and timming...

If you need help with this just holler...

Tim

 

[Anonymous]

Its running real rich, how do i adjust it?

First thing is to make sure the choke is operating properly.
It should just barely close all the way when it's cold and set (you set it by pumping the gas once) and the "vacuum break" should open it slightly AS SOON AS the engine starts.
Then it shouldn't take forever for it to open up as the engine warms up (about a minute or two to open fully).
Its a common problem, so look there first.

If the choke is wide open when warm and its still running rich, then you need to lower the float level in the carb. You just bought the car the car so no telling what has been done to it.

 

[fordconvert]

A 72 would have its fair share of vac lines and other emissions related stuff, I would say get a shop manual and start at square 1 to make sure things are all where they are supposed to be and working right. These cars were designed to run with all that stuff intact and working. I have seen plenty of cars where people started removing and unhooking emssions stuff without understanding what it was supposed to do or what else depended on that stuff working. Before long you are adjusting things to compensate for something you took off which leads to something else getting changed that was working fine..... next thing you know you got a poor running car. If you dont have or want the emissions stuff make sure you (or your mechanic) understands things and makes the proper changes and adjustments to remove the stuff.

Also check for an exhaust restriction like critters nesting or bent pipe, does a 72 have that EFE valve thing in the exhaust pipe? Check to see that that is working or at least stuck open.