Thought I would post this in case it helps someone with a similar situation. I purchased my 1984 TA earlier this year and have been working on it as needed as well as maintenance. The car has 100k easy driven miles, but, still needed work. A few months after buying it the starter quit, the cat needed replacement and the thermostat was stuck closed. Been doing regular maintenance like oil changes and such. The car drives as it should, but, yesterday it just died out of nowhere. Coasted to the side of the road and after looking it over, I pulled the fuel filter that is located in the carb. Looked ok, but I couldn't even blow air through it. Replaced it with a new one and a few minutes later, I was back in business. I should have checked that while replacing air filter... .$2 filter had me wrenching on the side of road.

 

If you still have the old filter, cut it open and see what is inside.



This is I think the 3rd filter I replaced in a year. Our tank was rusting out and had to be replaced.

 

Oh snap. I wish I thought of that before I threw it in the trash.