My buddy just picked up an 84 GSL-SE for $850, including a couple other things (I have posted on it before), and the engine was SUPPOSED to be blown, but we thought otherwise from the get-go. New plugs go in and it fires right up. It is running pretty rough and not holding idle, but its not blowing coolant or anything like that (no coolant in the exhaust either). I think the cats might be clogged and/or the carb isn't set up right. It's got a Holley 4bbl downdraft, and since I dont know carbs too well, can't tell if anything is wrong. Everything looks clean though. We are changing the thermostat (and water outlet gasket), the exhaust gasket (there is a leak), the intake gasket (also leaky-it was a paper gasket), the oil/filter, flushing the coolant, new tranny fluid (Redline), new battery, and front and rear brakes. I just need some input as to why it's running rough, and stuff to check on the carb to see if it's ok. We pretty much have it settled that the motor isn't blown, considering it's not spewing coolant with the rad car off, and we had it up to 80mph with no problem. The only thing that sucks is the power cuts in/out. Any advice any of you guys can give is appreciated. Sorry for the long post.
Leo

 

bump

 

GSL-SE's were fuel injected...what engine do you have in there??

 

you should check the compression

mike

 

I would, for sure replace the fuel filter...on the gsl-se, it is under the car.....replace the plugs and od overall tune up. It probaly needs it. I would give it the MMO treatment as well. Hopefully you know what that is . If not, do a search. check all the vacuume lines. I would start there. YOu should know the "se" came fuel injected...make sure you have a "se".

 

no carb on a GSL-SE - it's fuel injected.

Check that the aux. ports are opening/closing properly without sticking

Check the fuel & air filters

Check the vacuum solenoid that delays the throttle from returning to zero after acceleration (it's the one behind the Dynamic Effect Chamber, that block reading RE_EGI) - it should be well lubed and the cable should be supple, not hold a kink

edit: after re-reading that the power cuts in and out, I'd first check those aux ports then the cats

 

the car isnt fuel injected anymore. sorry guys but i have to say this please read!!!!!!!! and if it doent idle is the carb, it need alot of tuning and if it the carb have alot of miles probably nedd rebuild. i know very little about carb probably ask some of the gurus here that know about the rotaries with carbs

 

It is in fact an SE and it is in fact, carburated. I didnt say it was a stock carburator. In fact i said its got a Holley 4bbl. It's a 13B, converted to carb. We will do the fuel filter ASAP, and its getting a tune-up this weekend. We will also check the exhaust this weekend, and the aux ports.

Leo

Edit: Thank you eddierotary

 

I'd check the idle and mixture adjustments on the carb.

Check for vacuum leaks? Timing, new dist. rotor and cap? Are you running with old gas?

Then, if you run through all the easy stuff and still no luck, I'd rebuild the carb.

Sometimes when cars sit around for long periods of time and don't run, the carbs get gummed up--especially the low speed (idle) jets. Don't know if that's your case though.

Scott