help with '81 please

[pauld]

I have left my 1981 standing for about 6 weeks and when I came to start it today, it started ok, but then as it became warmer it began to run very rough and missing on a few cylinders. As i drive it it improved until I came to let it idle again and it was on the breach of stalling. It also smelt like it was running rich whilst it was running rough and it smoked slightly, grey to blue in colour. The car isn't burning oil as i always check the oil level.
What do you guys think, I am thinking of the plugs and leads, but looking for some help.

Thanks in advance,

Paul.

 

[69_coupe]

I suppose you have a carburator engine with some kind of choke.
Check if the choke release. An other problem could be the fuel level in the carb.
If the choke is ok, look down the carb barrel and look at the amount of fuel.

Merrey X-mas
Vidar

 

[pauld]

Has an auto choke controlled by computer, not sure what i would be looking at.

Thanks for reply and merry christmas

 

[69_coupe]

Just see if the choke valve has opened when the engine is hot.
The choke valve is located at the top of the carb, just under the air cleaner. If it is still closed when the engine is hot, try to move it by hand and see if it's stucked. It should be vertical when hot. If you have an electronic Q-jet it should be possible to maipulate it to stay in an open position all the time.

 

[pauld]

Thanks vidar, will check that, thanks again for the help.

 

[DDLS3]

Pauld,

Most likely your choke did not open fully. The choke is thermosatic not controlled by the computer. It runs off a single 12v wire to a bi-metal helix that heats and moves the choke plate open. It is located on the passenger side of the carb and is a round black cover. Check for voltage to the wire w/engine running and see if the choke plate pulls open. If it does not then it may be stuck or the bi-metal may have broken and requires replacement. It si possible also that the choke has lost its ground, try running a small wire from the carb to an easy to get at spot on the engine.

Dale

 

[pauld]

Thanks Dale, will have a look on sturday after the holidays, thanks again for the help

Paul

 

[pauld]

You guys were spot on about the choke problem, it is now fixed and running like a dream. Thanks again for all your help, was pleased to get it running like it used to, fantastic