Help please! My 1982 Malibu Classic wagon suddenly runs terribly

[pontiacgp]

Take the carb off and soak it in a bucket of diesel fuel for a day. That will clean deposits and varnish in the carb.

 

[Luke's82]

The car always had a check engine light that would come and go. It usually only lit at idle. I found the elbow for the top radiator hose it's dripping coolant from its gasket underneath, but I don't think that has anything to do with vacuum.

 

[Ribbedroof]

Light on and you never pulled the code(s)?

 

[Luke's82]

Light on and you never pulled the code(s)?

Light on and you never pulled the code(s)?

 

[Luke's82]

Never had the code ran. When I bought it the guy said he fixed the check engine light by setting it a bit richer and then it was only very sporadic. I tested the cat with a lazer thermometer and it failed. The cat is hotter in the front and cooler in the output.

 

[Ribbedroof]

Richening the mixture will do that.The extra unburned fuel will burn in the cat and melt the catalyst inside...eventually it will become so obstructed that it won't drive above idle.

Does the carburetor have 2 electrical connectors attached to it?

I still think you should pull the codes and see what is going on, it's a tool and not using it is just going to make it harder to identify and correct the problem.

 

[Luke's82]

Will an OBD II scanner still be compatible? We have one in shop class but I don't own one personally.

And yes I believe the carb has 2 connectors on it.

 

[Ribbedroof]

All you need is a paperclip...

http://www.troublecodes.net/gm/

 

[Luke's82]

Unless the link isn't downloading correctly, I'm a bit confused as to what terminals I'm jumping, but more importantly what each flash number means, I couldn't find that. Also, my engine size is not listed. I am also curious as to what the code (s) are.

On the other hand, I finally replaced the fuel filter. I got vice grips and was able to grip it and break it free. The filter was discolored, but not terrible. Picture included. Car is running better, but still not 100%.

Also, is the vacuum line in the right spot that runs from the bottom of the carb and connects back up to the top? Picture included.

 

[Luke's82]

Well, finally replaced the fuel filter. Picture of the old included. It's running better, still not 100%. Also, Is the vacuum hose in the picture in the right spot? It's connecting from the bottom of the carburetor back to the top. I'll also include a picture.