Running Rough

[CharlieB]

Happy Monday everyone,
Last night I drove my '76 for about 10 miles without any issues.
Today I started the car and it is running VERY rough. Last night and today the temperature outside was 55 degrees.
I can't figure out what would have changed over night with the car just parked in the garage.
I'll take a look at it after work tonight, but I'm not really sure where to start.
I hate to be such a newbie, but any guidance on what to check out is greatly appreciated.
Thanks

[TX82FIAT]

It could be any one of a huge number of things. Did the timing belt jump a tooth. Fuel (delivery, carb, filter, blockage) Spark(check plugs, distributor, etc.) Air? Any loss of power? Sorry this is vague but I would revisit every aspect of the 10 minute drive for some clue and then get down to the basics of timing, fuel, spark, air.

[CharlieB]

Thanks for the response TX.
I know I havent provided much info to go on. I'll know more tonight.
I doubt the belt jumped since it was running fine when I parked last night, but I'll check (if I can remember how).
Your right, I'll check the basics first.
Thanks again

[CharlieB]

Well it turned out to just be a lose plug wire.
All is well

[joelittel]

That’s great news.

[CharlieB]

Well I spoke too soon.
It's doing the same thing again.
I checked the plug wires and they are all secure.
It won't even idle now though.
I tried to let it run so I could look in the engine compartment but no matter how far I pull the choke out it just sputters and dies.
Fuel filter maybe?

[bobplyler]

If you CAREFULLY pour a little bit of gas in the carb, and it runs (for a little bit), it's somewhere in the fuel delivery system. Else, it's probably ignition.

[CharlieB]

Thanks Bob,
I'll try that tonight

[Justice777]

Hey Charlie, I had a similar sounding problem which ended up being the idle cut-off solenoid. The little pipe atop primary carb barrel was dribbling fuel out of it at an idle. The solenoid protrudes from (my) carb on driver's side and has 2 wires going to it. Even after changing elect. connectors it still didn't work. Slight pressure on those elect. connectors toward the firewall got it to work and engine running smoothed out immediately. Part is inexpensive - like $30 - $40.

Edit: copied from my post:

On left side of carb is a metal canister w/ 2 wires connected to it. Apparently this is called an ICU Solenoid, AKA Idle Shutoff Solenoid assembly. When my wrist put pressure on the connector towards the firewall, the engine ran very smooth. I replaced connector, cleaned male tab coming out of the solenoid and no difference, except still, if I pushed it a little toward firewall engine smoothed out.
You were on the right track Peter. I looked down primary barrel and when rough running there was fuel spitting out of accelerator pump nozzle while at idle. Favor the elect tab coming out of solenoid towards firewall and that stopped and engine running smooth. For now (until I can replace this part) I have tie-wrapped the connector with just a little pressure toward firewall. Just got back from an hour ride and car performed flawless. Yay!!!

[CharlieB]

Thanks Justice,
I tried moving the connector at the solenoid but no luck.
However I did notice that if I unplug the solenoid and then plug it in with the ignition switch on, there is no audible click.
There should be a click...correct?
I did remove the carb and clean it up, including the jets and replaced the fuel filter. It starts right up now, but still idles rough.
I'm guessing the solenoid is bad but I'll double check the wiring to it before I replace it.
Thanks again

[Justice777]

On mine, I looked at accel pump nozzle while it was running and could see fuel dribbling out of the nozzle at idle. When solenoid working there is no fuel coming out of accel pump nozzle.