[TR] TR3 idle

[Randall]

> My "older" TR3 restoration (TCF 119L) is pretty standard, in particular
> standard cam, ignition and SU carbs. It idles beautifully at around
> 1000rpm,
> but every now and then we have a day (like today) when it stalls at every
> traffic light.  The track record is that tomorrow it will be fine again.

What happens if you try to hold the engine rpm up with your toe?  Tried
going a flat leaner on the cars?  Richer?

Any chance the throttle linkage is binding right at idle, enough to hold one
or both carbs open just slightly most of the time?  I've had the balls
inside the linkage pivots wear oval, such that they bind just at the limits
of travel and cause a similar problem.  Likewise, if the throttle shafts
and/or bushings are worn, they can let the throttle plates drag on the bores
and hence bind lightly just at idle.

Also check that the throttle shaft couplings are tight.  If one was slipping
just a bit sometimes, it could also cause erratic idle rpm.

-- Randall