Reply To: Why does my 1963 Mercury 390 backfire only at idle?

#1387
Todd

    At idle only I suspect camshaft timing, valve or guide issue or a problem in the carburetor idle circuit.

    As stated identify if it’s back firing into the intake, or is it popping in the exhaust.

    A quick test for valve timing or valve sealing issues is to perform a check of the intake vacuum.

    If it’s jumping around, then compression is getting into the intake. Low vacuum look for intake leaks.

    Compression a d leakage tests are a good idea to rule out or confirm mechanical issues.