rough running...help

[jurhip]

it has been awhile since I started my car (about 4 months). it ran okay then, but now I can barely start it (need starter fluid) and it can hardly hold an idle if it does at all. It is also rough running below 2K. Above 3K rpm is seems to clear up, but if I let off the throttle, it almost dies (or does). If I hold the throttle at around 1.5 it slowly goes down and then speeds back. It does not sound smooth at all, like uneven firing. Additionally, I cannot just stand on the gas to get it to rev, I have to "pump" the gas up to get the engine going above 1K or so before it responds semi-normally.

Any possible places I should look at right away. It appears as though all vacuum hoses are in good order, though some are old. Fuel lines seem okay, although when I held down the air sensor flap (1.8 FI) I eventually notice what looked like dirty gas running down the passenger side longitudinal. It smelled kinda old, and probably is as I didn't put Stabil in When I looked around the fuel pump and hose connections, all appear dry.

Any suggestions? Could this be gas related. Maybe ignition/timing - the car is equipped with pertronix.

Man I don't need this now. I am moving to Cali soon, live in a no garage apartment and need to do some work (susp, brakes, rear trunk hinge...) prior to moving.

i appreciate it.

[tshih]

Sounds like bad gas. I'd drain the old stuff and use it in lawnmower and refill with new gas. also do you see rust in filter due to water in tank? Are you using E15 gas or worse E85? Other than that check thebig rubber boot which may be cracked or leaks air into intake messing up fuel/air ratio. What year 1.8 do you have?

[jurhip]

tshih,

Thanks. I have a orange '74. Bought it in college about 6 years ago. Daily driver during the summer, but since my move to an apartment, I feel I have neglected it in the car port.