I have a 1983 gsl. It sat for 10-11 years before I picked it up from a junk dealer. Picked up a couple of parts cars, and replaced the parts needed to get it running (Radiator replacment, tires, ect.). So it was running fine, I got it legal.

After about 50-100 miles it started backfiring every few seconds while it's idleing. I can give it a little gas and it stops doing this, but starts as soon as it's back to idle. I replaced the spark plugs, wires distributer cap/rotor, and changed out the coil with one from a parts car. It has plenty of power, but throwing flames out all the time. Also, it has a nasty hesitation if you get on the gas.

I'm drawing a blank on how to fix this, and I couldn't find a comparitive problem when searching for it. So, what do you guys think is wrong?

 

The cat?

 

or timing?

 

or you are runnin extreemly RICH!

 

the cats gone, The carb scares the hell out of me. I checked the timing with a light, it seemed to be ok, but I'll check again. Thanks for the help!

 

how many miles cause a budy of mine says his ran rich before it blew (seals gone) and it could be running rich? i dont know thats just what i heard

 

im with chava on this one its too rich.

When the car is runing look into the barrels of the primary and secondary, the primary should have a nice very fine stream of gas. and the secondary should have nothing.

Also check and make sure that all the plugs are getting spark.


IF YOU ARE NOT PRE MIXING DO SO NOW!!!!!!!!!

All that gas will not lube the seals and can cause you to blow a motor, with the mix you will ensure that its getting lubed.

 

My car was throwing flames awhile back. It didn't flame as often as yours, but it would only do it off the gas, as yours does. I had an intake leak causing it (bad gasket.) Grab some carb cleaner and spray all around the engine. If your idle jumps up it's an intake leak. Of course, it should jump if you spray at the carb directly. I don't know if that's what's wrong, but it's pretty cheap to troubleshoot for.
The hesitation might be a seperate problem, possibly it needs the carb retuned, but see how it is after you fix the flames. Good luck.

 

Finally, a newb with a clue. Have fun guys.

 

And a nicely typed post to boot. Welcome.