[nettlesac]

Bought an '87 Grand Wagoneer, 195k, 360 V8. Runs, nuff said. After weeks of finding loose vacuum hoses and fixing small issues, I have the pattern of how the engine runs. When cold, the auto-choke engages and runs real smooth and plenty of power. Then a minute in, the choke dis-engages and starts running rough. If I stop then start, I stall. After It warms up in another minute or so, It won't stall but starts running worse. It feels like it's missing and lacks power. Any ideas?

[Kenny]

It might be the fuel pump lobe on the cam mine was wore out beyond repair. I would say try a cheap autozone electric fuel pump and see if that helps.

[nettlesac]

funny you should say that...when i was under the jeep the other day, i saw an old abandoned electric fuel pump. Maybe someone tried that before.

More info is, i tied up the choke in the closed position permanently. It runs better but still not right (of course), but i noticed that at any idle speed (low rpm) it misses or lopes, hit the gas and it slightly hesitates and then takes off fine. Obviously lacks big power with the choke closed. I'm thinking of a carb rebuild kit.

[DuckBox]

one quick and simple thing you can do if you haven't already, is check your timing. The quickest, yet not the best way is if you have the vehicle on, loosen the distributor and move it either clockwise or counter clockwise. You will notice the engine speed up, once you hit the pinnacle or highest speed, tighten your distributor back and adjust the fast idle screw accordingly. You will notice a huuge increase in engine power and no more sputtering and stalling.

Let me know if this helps. Good luck and let me know if you have questions.

[megajeep]

A carb rebuild seems like the first step to me. But you could try this:

Seafoam is a fuel stabilizer and a great carb cleaner. Your engine will actually run on strait seafoam. I would take the top of the carb off and fill the bowl with seafoam and let it sit over night. Put as much of it as you care to buy in the tank. Let it sit overnight or for a couple of days. Then start it up. See if that cleans any junk out of the carb. Keep in mind that the engine will run on strait seafoam, just not as well as gasoline.

This trick worked for me on a motorcycle.