79 4x4 pick up 20R not running correctly

[Zack1978]

HI everyone,
My 79 p/u usually sits for long periods of time and does not get driven often. The last time I started it was a few weeks ago, and it was fine. I didn't drive it, just let it idle for a while.

Well today I started it. It started fine, however it is not running right. It seems like the engine is not getting smooth. It is almost like it is just putting along. The engine never smooths out. It just keeps putting. Any ideas



Thanks,
Zack

 

[Zack1978]

A good way to describe it, it sounds like an air-cooled VW engine.


Zack

 

[JJS]

The carb probably needs to both cleaned and tuned. Your jets are probably loaded up with carbon.

 

[Zack1978]

Could the spark plugs be all full of carbon? Would they cause it to run like that?


Zack

 

[EVILSPOTTER]

I don't drive my '83 much these days, haven't had time for crawlin'

When I let it sit too long it runs like crap too. I have started running it out of gas before I leave it and that seems to help. When I forget to do that I generally just drive it until it is empty so I can fill up with fresh gas. If it was running good when you parked it there probably isn't anything wrong with it.

 

[Nikon Samurai]

Check the plugs, easy to do. Also could be your gas, like spotta said

NS

 

[Zack1978]

It was the spark plugs, I put 4 new NGK's in, and it runs great now! The plugs were all black. I guess because I don't drive it, basically just let it idle?


Zack