Perplexing start problem.

[millarg]

Afternoon all,

Once proud 10yr owner of a 78 SC which has been sadly neglected over the last few years.

Car sat idle for a year in need of a fuel pump, it was replaced a year+ ago and has since been driven little as it has left me stranded a couple of times.

About 6 montha ago had been out driving, all normal, parked - returned an hr later - no start, lots of crank, but no start - $100 tow later it was deposited in my driveway.

I cranked it occassionally over next weeks with same results (cranked fine, no start - I could hear the fuel pump runnning), then it decided to start, albeit very rough, took along time to get running, back fires (have the upgraded airbox) eventually evens out and runs.

Kept starting weekly, same issues of very hard to get started, would fire-up then die multiple times, then catch, backfire for awhile then eventually smooth out.

So about 6 weeks ago, I'm changing the oil/filter on my truck, half way through process I realise that I have the wrong filter, so only option is to drive the SC to parts store for filter...... $100 later.........

Again, refuses to start for weeks, now will crank and start very rough, eventually evening out.

The car is low on my list of priorities right now, but want to keep running - ideally drive once a week - I fear it it sits too long it'll become a garden ornament.

I'm on St Thomas in the Virgin Islands, garages/mechanics reluctant to deal with it.

Anyone have an idea of where/what I should be checking first?