I have a 85 Toro w/ the 307 engine, and when I first start it, especially if its cold outside, it runs really rough, and will die if I take my foot off the gas. Once it warms up its fine (though the idle is a little high). If its been a few hours or less since I've started it, I have no trouble starting. My guess is that one of the sensors is out, but I have no idea what to check. I couldn't find the terminal to check the trouble codes. If anyone thinks they know what the problem is, I would really appreciate their advice!

 

You should be able to start it cold without depressing the accelerator peddle at all and it should run. If you are having to "feather the pedal" then you definitely are having some troubles. I don't have experience with the newer engine that are cc or have fuel injection. My son (Olds64) has some experience and training with the newer stuff as well as many others. If you don't get a reply here shoot him a PM.

 

Generally, you should depress the accelerator once to the floor to set the choke and give a little squirt of fuel into the engine. Then the car should start without any problems. It warms up on fast idle for a minute or two then you press the accelerator again to disengage the choke.

I am not sure if GM had started using GM type I computer control in 1985. If it has a data port it is under the dash on the drivers side, near the emergency brake cable. GM type I codes are really easy to read. If you find a data port let me know and I can give you a run down on it.

Ultimately, it sounds like you just have some tune up issues. Have you recently put plugs, wires, cap, and rotor on the car? What about a carburetor rebuild? The early GM computers were pretty simple. All you have to determine idle speed is a throttle positioning sensor. Chances are this isn't bad. If it is you should have a check engine light.

 

That is how my 85 Riveria runs. Olds 307 in that rig.

 

Thanks for the replies everyone. Oldsguy, I always have to feather the gas to start, if its been more than a few hours since its been running. Olds64, I replaced the sparks, wires, cap and rotor a few months ago. The check engine light is on. The carb is still original, never rebuilt. I've been thinking about buying a rebuilt carb(the original quadrajet), do you think it would solve the problem?

 

No, don't just start throwing parts at it. Take the car to your local auto parts store and have the tech pull the trouble codes for you. Most places like O'Reillys or Auto Zone will pull trobule codes for free if you have a check engine light on. It is SUPER easy to do on a GM type I computer.

 

Alright, will do. Thanks for the advice!