I just bought my 83' GSL a few months ago and it has always been running rough. It surges at constant speed and you can pop the hood and hear and see the engine jerking every few seconds. I ran a can of seafoam through the tank and took it for a good hard drive, but it didn't do anything to help the surging. I went out to start the car just this morning. It started no problem just like always. All of a sudden I see the RPMs start to slowly drop. The choke was all the way out and I tried to give it some gas and still nothing. It died and I haven't been able to start it since then. I'm pretty sure the fuel filter needs replacing. Does this seem like the right thing to do with these symptoms? If so, is the filter something I can find in stock at an auto parts store or will I need to order one? Any help would be appreciated, thanks.

 

the fuel filer is very easy to find and its very easy to change. its like a 5 dollar part at an autoparts store. sounds like you may have a bad fuel filter. its not a bad idea to change it either way.

 

i bought half a dozen oil filters and half a dozen fuel filters from mazdatrix. cost me like, $20 or some such. always good things to have around

 

Thank you for the quick reply. I'm going right now to see if I can find a fuel filter and I will probably put it in today if I have the time. I will post an update on what happens.

 

The fuel filter is one of the 1st things to replace on a carb'd 7 when you buy it if there is no history of replacement. Hope you just didn't run out of gas? Also verify that the fuel pump is still coming on.

 

Same exact thing happened to me last week. I thought it was my fuel pump, cause my filter only has 1500 miles on it. Sure enough it was so clogged I couldn't blow through it with all my might. I cut it apart and there was some serious sludge in there.

 

I believe alot of it depends on what part of the State you live in.
If your in a area that has harsh winters such as lots of snow or lots of rain.
Also if the vehicle is parked for the winter in snowy climates. Those are areas that need more frequent changes and or preventive treatment such as Heet, stabil,and various tank additives to prevent rust and debri forming in the tank.

 

Sounds to me more like the shutter valve is your problem, do a search, it is an easy fix, I blocked mine.

 

Funny you say that Aussie. The guy I bought the car from said he had problems with the shutter valve a few years ago and had to replace it. When we pulled the car out the day I bought it the valve started sticking again. I will definately look into removing the valve. I haven't replaced the filter yet because the car is sitting in my driveway and out of nowhere some really shitty weather came and I don't feel like getting on my hands and knees in the slush. I'm starting to think the fuel pump may be the problem now though. When I turn the car on but haven't started it yet, I always here a little whirring sound from the back of the car. If my common sense serves me right that would be the fuel pump. I went out today and checked for that noise and it's not there anymore. If this is the case, what I am I looking at for replacement?

 

Check the fuse first.

 

You might also want to take a look at the plugs to check their condition. If they are black and covered with soot, it would indicate that the car is running too rich and fouling the plugs. But really, it sounds more likely that it is a fuel delivery problem. Good luck....

 

If the shutter valve is in doubt, disconnect the arm and wire it open. If you don't know how long it's been since the fuel filter was replaced last, get a new one. I carry a spare in the glove box any more, along with 2 fresh spark plugs.

 

Haha, Good old fuel filters...
Last time I was at Canadian tire, I passed by the fuel filters (in that money spending kinda mood) and something told me that I should pick up a few spares. What a co-incidance, the new GS I picked up is 100% in need of one, and the -SE could probably use one as well. Guess I just gotta make some time to slap em in there now.

Fuel filters are always a worthy purchase! I try to change em every year.

 

Sorry it's been so long. The car is now in storage until mid April which just happens to be my birthday as well. Such a great present every year. Back to the thread though. So after trying a couple of things I decided to put some gas in the tank. Started right up. Seems like sometime just before the car quit running, the gauge decided to not work anymore. It still reads that I have a quarter of a tank. I feel very stupid now and will from now on always check the obvious first.

 

my fuel filter is right in the engine bay, i like it!

 

I have one in the engine bay, too... but one between the tank and the pump in OE location with OE filter and a second replaceable cartridge type in the bay just before the regulator and carb makes more sense to me.

 

An extra filter in the engine bay is fine, but you do need one before the fuel pump to protect it from all of the crap that we get in our old an rusting tanks. It doesn't take much rust going through a fuel pump to greatly shorten it's life span.

 

that makes alot of sence, i didnt notice one there, but if i dont have one, i will deffinetly install one