I have a 1972 Olds Cutlass S with a 350 Rocket and I was just curious as to why when I crank the car for the first time it idles/runs loud and if I wait for a few minutes and step on the gas it idles down and runs like it normally sounds. Also, I notice that I have a gas smell in my garage sometimes but I don't see any leaks anywhere. I usually have to open my garage doors to let the fumes out before I start working on the car.

 

The idle is typical for a carburetor car. The high idle is needed when the choke is closed and engine is cold.

 

All of that sounds typical.

The idle is working as it should, it sounds.

And the fumes are normal. Carbs aren't closed systems, so the gas does evaporate, hence the smell.

 

m371961 thank you. Makes sense...I was always curious about the noise. I knww pressing the pedal would make it sound like normal just didn't know the logic behind the process. Thank you again.

 

jpc647,
Thank you. I was thinking maybe something was wrong with my gas tank and some how fumes were getting out from a seal. I had thought about dropping it and checking it out but thank you for the explanation that makes sense.

 

Your first carburetor car? Generally to start, you hit the go pedal once to the floor, let it return, then engage starter. As it warms, you hit the pedal and the idle lowers. At least when the choke is adjusted and working correctly. The higher idle speed is adjustable if needed.
You do have a chassis service manual that explains all this, right? If not, you should.

 

posted in wrong thread.

 

Should I let it idle high for a certain time? I normally just hit the gas after a minute or two.

 

Idle time depends upon the ambient temp. In cold weather it will take longer, in hot weather it will not take as long.