Hey guys, this is my 3rd first gen but I have never worked on a 12a. From what I can hear it sounds like its running off 1 rotor. I think it could be a carb issue but I have no idea. Seals look fine from the exhaust holes. Any info would be greatly appreciated!
Sorry for the link I have no idea how to add a video.

 

It could be many things. Whats the history? First startup after sitting? New car to you? More info will help us help you better.

 

so the other 2 first gens u had were gslse? sounds fine to me. does it rev up ok?

 

It has been sitting for 8 years. Picked it up cheap. Did a week of prep hand cranking with 0W-20 in the spark holes. That was the second start. It seems to die if I try to drive and it dies after it gets to operating temp. The choke on the carb is broken so I have closed it manually. If you need any other info I am happy to give it.

 

Running on both rotors,sounds a little lumpy,with an exhaust leak. Could probably do with fresh plugs,cap,rotor,wires.
A good fuel system cleaning in order too,how much gas in the tank and how old is it? Drain the gas tank and replace gas filter at back of car. Is the fuel level 1/2 way up the windows in float bowls?
You could try draining the tank,put a couple gallons of fresh and can of seafoam and drive it around and see if that helps. Some here have had good luck with that.

 

So what GSLSEforme says +10000. Drain tank of old gas, replace fuel filter, recommend cleaning/rebuilding carb, replace all rubber fuel line hoses to tank and to engine. It doesn't sound that bad. Given you probably have a gunked up carburetor running on crappy fuel.

 

I just went through this same thing with a 12a that had been sitting for 9 years. Yours actually sounds healthier than mine did.

As others have mentioned, the issue with it not staying running very likely has to do with old fuel and needing a tune up. Only thing I'd add is to check timing.

Then after all that stuff is done, I'd start messing with the carb. I was 100% convinced that mine needed a rebuild when I first started it, but after doing all that other stuff (fuel,plugs,cap/rotor,etc,) it runs great now.

 

Like others have already said, that really doesn't sound too bad considering how long it sat and with how many unknowns there are. Heck, when I started my previous 12A after it had sat for 16 years it idled at 3k and smoked out the whole neighborhood...

Anyway, do everything the other's have told you. If your problems persist afterwards there are other things to check too, but not before the essentials are out of the way. As an example, my car idled similar to that when the secondaries were stuck open a hair; just food for thought. Best of luck!