1983-cj5 258 - Carter Electric Choke Issues

Calling all CJ-5 gear heads - I'm having an issue with my Carter carb specifically, I believe something has gone wrong with the linkages and choke adjustment(s). The idle cam falls down completely as soon as step on the accelerator and it doesn't reset unless I raise it by hand (leaving the valve wide open). Thus leading to my diagnosis that there is something wrong with the linkages, the thermostat has gone bad or the choke vacuum diaphragm is bad. Thoughts? I'd like to avoid removing the carb completely if possible because it runs great as soon as I can get it moving but dies every time I slow down and won't idle. I did a Seafoam upper cleaning treatment last week and everything looks clear around the venturi cluster. I also replaced the spark plugs the other day as the old ones were covered in soot as result of it running rich I would assume.

Here is a video I uploaded to YouTube looking for help. I didn't get any...maybe it was the music

https://youtube.com/shorts/xEK08b32nJ4?feature=share

Let me know what yall think! Thanks

 

start at the choke thermostat if there is a wire check that it has juice. could be the spring isnt doing its job and needs adjusting or replacing.

 

Thanks @sterlclan for the suggestion. As it turns out, I had a chance to tinker with it this morning and I noticed the PCV valve was loose almost completely out. All of the other issues I noted in the video with the idle cam, thermostat and choke linkages are all fixed without even firing it up. Fingers crossed it fires up and idles like a champ.

 

Fired it up and idled just fine for 3-5 minutes! Backed it out of the driveway and died halfway down (18 foot driveway haha)

If I manually adjust/set the fast idle cam with my finger, it will idle until the cows come home. The second I touch the throttle, the fast idle cam drops completely and the engine stops immediately after sputtering a time or two.

Here is a video at idle starting at the tail pipe and walking around to the engine bay. Thoughts? Idle at the tail pipe sounds a bit rough or a misfire maybe?

https://youtube.com/shorts/GTQlPtktpzA?feature=share

 

Looking at your first video, I noticed the choke plate is open, the fast idle cam should drop with engine warmed up and choke plate open. Is the choke fully closed when the engine is cold? When warmed up and still on the fast idle cam, move the choke plate slowly toward closed, does the engine speed start to increase? ( if yes the engine is too lean). Listening to the second video, it does sound too lean or the EGR is slightly open. Disconnect the EGR hose and see if it runs better. Spray carb cleaner around the carb, hoses and intake ports to check for vacuum leaks. Make sure timing is correct.