I just baught a 1988 formula 3 weeks ago. It seems to have problems starting. The guy i baught it from said it was beacause of a week battery. I got a new battery for it and it didnt help. It also stalls some times. WHen i start it, if i push the gas at all, it dies. And sometimes when driving it if i give it the gass it fells like it is going to die. When i go to start it, it takes about 6-7 secs to start. I also got a new distributor cap and the spark plugs were fine. The guy i baught it from also said it had bad gas in it. What do you guys think is the problem.

 

Check fuel psi and smell the gas.. if it stinks unlike normal gas that may be the problem..

 

bought

start it up and let it idle and warm up and see if it does the same after warmed up.

also even though the plugs look ok doesn't mean they are ok. i would put new wires and plugs on it and get some new gas in it.

 

i have went through 3 tanks of gas. Ill get wires and plugs and try that. The exhaust smells alittle rich. It still has the same problem when its warm or when its not. I was thinking it was getting to much fuel and fludding. I dont know. But this morning it took forever to get started. It would start then it would idle low and then die. i really dont want to spend 400$ on trying to figure out the problem. Alot of you guys on this site are crazy smart. So thanks for any suggestions. it helps alot.

 

try to check timing. Also check Idle Air Control Valve.

 

When mine did similar stuff, it was the fuel pump in it's death throes. First thing, check fuel pressure. I'd start cheap and simple. Replace the fuel filter. That is a commonly overlooked item that can cause problems like these.