This used to be dune buggy won't run warm... Until Speedy Jim alerted me to> some major manifold leaks. I've fixed those and now the engine starts> right away and idles nicely. I take it for a spin and it's great until the> choke goes off completely. Then the acceleration is poor, power is lacking> and the idle is uneven and I get little backfires on occassion. I've> sprayed carb cleaner all around the manifold ends and junctions with no> change in idle. I'm not 100% sure how to time this thing but the problem> persists at various timing settings and with another distributor (I'm using> a 009 and tried a stock 69 t2 diz as well.) Feels like a carb problem to> me. I have another carb that used to work but when I tried it out today> it just dribbles gas continuously down the throat so it has obviously> developed a problem and won't tell me anything.>

Any suggestions?

Did it EVER run right? >

Sounds like it's running too lean. >

It's possible that the prolonged lean condition caused the valves to> burn, and they no longer seal properly. >

It did used to run properly, a least the way I remember it. It was non-> running when I bought it but i got it going and I've just driven it around> the block and in and out of the garage over the past few years while I did> other things. How can I check to see if the valves are sealing?

Fuel Filter, or bad gas?> -tom>>

I'll change the filter just to make sure but in my T3 when it's geting> clogged I experience a faltering under load hat feels different than> this.>

I just checked my compression and I'm happy to say that I got an even 120> in all 4 cylinders! (Well maybe 119 in #3) Good news I'd say but what> are the ramifications in regards to my crummy idle? Am I correct to> assume that the valves are doing their job? All 4 plugs were 'sooty' and> black, not super oily, more like creosote that came off easily with the> wire brush.>

So again, once the choke is off the idle is not smooth and I get an> occassional backfire (more like a 'pop'). Acceleration is poor at this> point (but pretty good when the choke is on.) The problem persists with> various timing settings and two different distributors. I'm not getting> any obvious signs of vacuum leaks, no noticeable change in idle when I> spray carb cleaner anywhere and if I put my hand over the carb throat it> is sucked into place just like putting your hand over the business ned of> a vacuum cleaner. Once my hand seats the engine dies. Compression is> 120 all around.>

I've got to move on the first and I qwant this thing to drive to it's new> home!>