Airflow plate adjustment

[87Cabriolet]

I have cleaned my fuel distributor/airflow plate assembly. Upon reinstalling into the car I noticed a problem which may also explain why the car runs terrible...

With no pressure in the system the airflow plate is aligned and resting perfectly. But as soon as a I turn the key ON and the pumps pressurize the system, I notice the airflow plate is being pushed down. I am assuming the fuel pressure on the plunger is causing the plate to be pushed down further than it should be. Is this normal?

Could it have something to do with my mixture screw being way out of wack?

So should I pressurize the system and THEN adjust the plate to where it needs to be by adjusting the clip, or what?

(Thinking out loud now) I am almost suspecting the mixture screw being way off is causing this. If that is the case my theory is to pressurize the system, and then adjust the screw and see if the plate will sit where it should be.

[87Cabriolet]

7. Reinstall the rubber intake air boot, reconnect the coil wire, and run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature. Then ground the coil wire and pressurize the fuel system as described in step 2.

8. Remove the rubber boot and check the height of the sensor plate. At rest, the front edge of the plate should be aligned with the narrowest point in the venturi as shown in Fig. 5-3. Adjust the height by bending the spring clip below the plate.

OK, So it does appear according to the instructions, I need the plate to be adjusted to spec WITH the fuel system pressurized. Will try that tomorrow and report back.

As far as my out of wack adjustment screw, I think I will center the plate right, and then richen the mixture until the injectors spray a little, and back it off a half turn. According to what I read online, that is as good as you can get to start the car and then fine tune it. It does seem that the mixture screw doesn't actually adjust the plate height, but more of "how soon/much the movement of the plate moves the plunger" but not the actual plate height.

[87Cabriolet]

It lives!!

Got it running. It runs well and drives good. Need to tune it up then I can set the timing and mixture much better. Starts right up cold or hot. A little shakey which should go away when I tune it up, but I also know the motor mounts are shot so that is expected.