asym

I recently bought an '85 GSL from a friend. Every time I allowed it to sit for more than a day or so, I would have to pump the pedal several times to get it to start. (pump, pump, try... pump, pump, try...) It was having strange(?) idling problems... after letting it warm up, it would idle around 1100 rpm, and as I drove it, the higher I revved it, the higher the idle would be. When I left it would be idling at 1100 or so, and after driving decently it for about 5 minutes, it would be idling at around 2-3k. My friend also said that it felt like I should be getting more high-end power. All of these things led him to believe the carb needed to be rebuilt.

We got the rebuild kit, and rebuilt a spare carb he had sold me along with the car. The spare had been working 2-3 months before -- he had done an engine swap on the car before he sold it to me, and the spare was on the previous engine. We put the rebuilt carb back on, and now it will barely start, and won't run. If I pump the gas and try over and over it will eventually start, and it will start if we use starting fluid, but even then it immediately dies. I can hold down the gas after it gets started, and after about 1-2 seconds it feels likethe gas pedal is doing nothing and the RPMs just drop until it dies.

My friend thinks we should try the carb that was working on the car. (and rebuild THAT one) The two carbs have a few minor differences, I guess just because of the different model years, but should that make any difference? Or this large of a difference, at least?

I don't know much about engines, aside from the basics, and I know even less about rotaries, but I've been browsing through the forums, and I've got the factory manual from here in front of me, so I should be able to figure out what you guys are talking about, at least. Just looking for a little guidance as to what the problem may be. If I can't figure this carb out, I am planning on just sending the carb we originally took off the car to Sterling, and letting him deal with it.

EDIT: The distributor, spark plugs, and plug wires were all replaced during the engine swap. I was planning on replacing the fuel filter once we got the carb put back on the car, but we haven't looked at it, so I don't know what kind of condition it's in. Just in case any of that would make a difference.

FB II

well, the first time diving in to these carbs is a bit intimidating. once you have messed with them a couple times you realize how easy they are to rebuild and tune. hit up the archive in this 1st gen section and find sterlings write-up about things to remember when doing this task. just take your time and label pieces in baggies. once you get all that stupid accessory **** off the carb is just a puny little bastard that isn't scary at all

asym

BUMP! Anyone know what the problem may be?

hanman

I would start by replacing the fuel filter. For the 5 bucks it is cheap insurance.
Then make sure that the carb is filling both bowls, front and back. Check the site window in front and the one in back. The back one is checked easier with an automotive mirror. You know the extension type. The fuel levels should be halfway up the glass window on both. If not, you need to reset the floats. See the factory manual. Dial calipers make that job easier.
Then if all of that is ok, check that the accelerator pump is pumping a good shot of fuel in to the barrels when you actuate the throttle.
Post your results.

FirebirdSlayer666

iTrader: (3)

Definitely check the floats. They could be dumping too much fuel in to the motor. Also check the bottom of the float chamber and make sure there is no rust. That will definitely keep the carb from working properly.