Using vacuum gauge for adjusting idle mixture method?

[Katfish]

I picked a vacuum gauge at HF.  The plan is to adjust the idle mixture on my Edlebrock carb.  It has a stinky rich gas smell.
Is the correct method, adjust until maximum vacuum is achieved, then lean till vacuum drops?

Thx

[MEK-Dangerfield]

You got it.   

[422STROKER]

yes, then reset curb idle as it may have increased, do it again, etc.  Make sure your timing is set first and foremost.

Tom

[MEK-Dangerfield]

...Oh, and do this when your engine is warmed up too.   

[Katfish]

Thx for the replies.  I've got to do something about this exhaust smell, hopefully this will help.

[422STROKER]

You may need an assortment of Hg springs for that Edelbrock carb. 

Tom

[the_engineers]

Can you tell us a little more about the rest of the fuel system?  Rich can also be caused by excessive fuel pressure.  Do you know what PSI you are running?

[Katfish]

On the advice of someone else I did install an adjustable fuel pressure regulator.  I have it set for 5.5lbs.  Didn't make a bit of difference. 
I have now leaned out the idle circuit using the vacuum gauge.  It was rich, was able to turn each screw in 1 full turn.

The car still has a stinky rich exhaust smell.  Any other ideas?  Doesn't seem like either of these changes made much of a difference.

[422STROKER]

What kind of vacuum i it pulling in gear at idle?

You may need a different set of springs if the vac is lower than the set that comes installed stock.

Tom

[Katfish]

According to the gauge it started at 18.5, it went as high as 19.5 as I leaned it out.  I continued to lean it till it dropped back to 18.5.  Can't tell any difference in the way it runs.

[422STROKER]

Well, the stock springs should be good for that amount of vacuum.lol

How about your initial timing spec?

Tom

[Katfish]

Not exactly sure, was planning on putting timing tape on and checking it.  Last time I checked I think it was 5-7 BTC at idle.

[422STROKER]

340? maybe a little more intial will clean up your idle stink.  Just be sure to check you don't have too much total mechanical advance when all in.  You may have to limit the slots in the dizzy if it pings under load.

Tom

My buddies 442's 455 need a bit more initial to clean up his idle seemed to work well, His Wife stopped complaining of Exhaust stink after he drove it anyways.LOL  Good enough she lets him take his 2 YO with him now.

[Katfish]

Yes it's a 340.   My problem exactly, wife always complains about the stink on my clothes, and the need to leave the garage open so the fumes don't kill the bird.

[LAA66]

 What cam are you running? My 340 has the same eye burning fumes possibly from the cam or the Holley 650 DP. Distributor is re curved and timing is at optimum. It runs absolutely great otherwise, very crisp and responsive.

 Edit; Thought to add this site for more info. http://www.secondchancegarage.com/public/186.cfm