73 Dodge 440 Idle Problem

[Bill]

I recently purchased a 73 Winnebago Brave. It has the 440 with the 727 transmission. It has developed an idle issue. It starts okay when cold but idles rough when warmed up. At a normal operating temperature it barely idles at all. The exhaust is more of a black color and smells quite gassy. I cleaned the carb and that helped a little. Could it be the electronic ignition?

[Tony durfey]

I would also check to make sure the choke is opening up.  If it stays shut it could cause this issue as well.  Hope this helps, Tony, Joy and Cool Paw Luke

[Bill]

Thank you for your suggestions. I played with the carb tonight. It now idles without dying but still rough and rich. I noticed some gas leaking out the left side of the carb after shut down. I believe it is a Carter as it appears the body is plastic. Could this leak mean it is sucking more air into the body and therefore more gas is required? Would adjusting the mixture make a difference? I haven't adjusted the air/fuel mix yet.

[Tony durfey]

That sounds more like a float or needle and seat issue. 

[Jackie Berg]

Hi, Bill!  Had the exact same issue on my 1978 Dodge 440-1 just a few months ago. Did the choke, mixture adjustment and anything I could think of. Finally decided to rebuild it and then couldn't find a rebuild kit. It's a Carter Thermoquad with the plastic middle also. Heard that these carbs are notorious for warping. After about 2 weeks of everyone telling me I should change the carb, I found one that was the same as the one I had. Swapped carbs and all is well now. Just out of curiosity I put my old one in some cleaner and it fell apart.  There was no help for it!! Had also changed all my ignition parts at the same time so it could very well be a combination of both. If you look at the carb where the gasket goes between the plastic middle and metal top/bottom, you can tell if the middle piece is warped.

[Bill]

I'm thinking I need to replace the carb. Can anyone tell me what that would cost?

[Bill]

Update. Took the Winnebago on a 20 mile drive. It ran fine at 55. I lowered the idle speed and it seems to be running better. Haven't taken it on the road though. Been too busy laying laminate.