Tuning the carb idle with an auto transmission in Drive has always bothered me, even with the brake on and wheels blocked.

Could people share their favourite ways to do this?

Thanks, Peter

 

1. Apply emergency brake.

2. Start engine.

3. Put in Drive.

4. Get out of car, stand in front, adjust idle.

5. Forget it's in Drive, blip throttle, get a quick eye-opener.

6. repeat.

- Eric

 

Eric:
I like step 6 the best because it means you survived step 5

Peter

 

I just leave it in park adjust go in put it in drive and back n forth.

 

Just put bricks in front of all 4 wheels also for more comfort than just the parking brake.

 

I do it with Eric's method but I lean over the drivers fender.

 

Leaning over the fender - where is the fun in that?

The place I keep the car has some wheel chocks and I definitely use those, even when I raise the front or rear to do some cleaning.

 

Yeah, I actually, without exaggeration, don't think there's been a single time when I haven't done that at least once, and made the car (and me) jump.
Just make sure there's nothing within a few feet in front or back.

- Eric

 

I use this method, except I put the car in REVERSE. That way, when I'm standing in front of it, it doesn't come towards me. If you're really nervous about the holding ability of your e-brake, just have a helper sit in the car with foot on the brakes.

 

If you have a rwd apply the parking brake and jack up the rear then put the axle on stands. You'll find out if the parking brake is in good shape as well.

Roger.

 

It will be fine if the parking brake is working correctly and the wheels are blocked. Now if you forget and want to test the upper rpm limits, all bets are off. Still, a good idea to stand at the side or put in reverse. That said, the parking brake is much less effective in reverse. Also, the proper way to apply the parking brake is to step on the regular brake, hold it, then apply the parking brake. That sets it much more firmly.

 

Joe - now using Reverse is such a good idea I wonder why the CSM does not specify it.

B73 - I did not know that about parking brakes - is that something your Dad taught you?

Rusty - I would be worried about the vibration and stability, maybe it that would not be an issue.

Thanks everyone, Peter.

 

I'm not sure when I learned that, but the regular foot brake applies the shoes firmly, and then the parking brake just hold the shoes in that position. Operating the parking brake by cable has a lot more resistance and doesn't apply them nearly as much.

 

To pass the UK annual roadworthiness test the parking brake must give at least 25% efficiency without aid from the service brake.
If the brakes are properly set up that isn't a problem on any American car I've owned.

Putting the transmission in reverse is a good idea, as is having a helper with his foot ready to stamp on the brake.
But let's make the dangerous assumption the tuner knows what he (or she) is doing, in that case revving the engine enough to overpower the parking brake shouldn't occur. However this is the real world, so a back up safety measure is always a good idea, you can fix a damaged car for a lot less than a damaged Human.

Roger.