Starts up, runs few seconds, then dies???

[like2wheel]

This is from a cold start.
Pump 3-4 times. Turn it over. It ususally fires right up. It runs for a few seconds on high idle and then dies. I pump it a couple more times, fire it up, and it starts fine. Runs a few more seconds, then dies. I repeat this about 6 times before it will stay running. If, when it is about to die, I gingerly apply the gas. It will keep running. I have to feather the gas for a couple of minutes before it all smooths out. It starts and runs fine after it is FULLY warmed up.
This is for a 84 w/360, TFI, new module. Any help??

Thanks!

[Franklinstein]

Boy that sounds familiar...my 1980 Wagon has been doing the same thing lately. For the moment, it seems like a timing issue (at least with mine)but i would also check your air filter and make sure your choke is working properly.

[like2wheel]

Brand new air filter. Choke looks to be working fine. The timing should be OK. I cant check the timing while it is on high idle. Well, I guess I could but it would be way advanced. I am sure that is OK since it runs OK once warm. Maybe that CTO deal I have heard of?? Thanks for the response.

[Don S]

..
like2wheel...
... The first thing to do would be sure the engine is getting fuel. With the engine having just died and NOT running is pull the Air Cleaner, look for fuel pools on the manifold, a sign of a float problem.
... Next look down in the carburetor. Is the choke valve wide open? If OK look down in the carburetor and open the throttle 4 times. If a fair amount of fuel squirts out then the accelerator and fuel pump would seem to be OK. If OK then check the vacuum advance system in the distributor.
... On the older FSJs I pull the cap and see if the point plate advances when a vacuum is applied to the little nipple on the distributor … You thought I was going to say… ’I suck’… well …I do..

… The choke systems have a fast idle cam that is ‘stepped for different speeds at different choke settings. Carbon also forms and can ‘choke-up’ the small passageways that are used to heat the intake manifold and choke systems causing a ‘cold natured’ engine.
... Check the operation of the hot air riser to the air cleaner that warms the air and the operation of the exhaust heat riser that warms the manifold and carburetor.
... These items aid in vaporizing the fuel and help prevent the engine from being cold ‘natured’and can be plugged with CARBON. BUT after the engine has warmed up they can help cause Vapor Lock or float-bowl boil-over.
... Gasoline is very sensitive to temperature for proper atomization.

http://home.earthlink.net/~bubbaf250/2150carb/carb01.html

It could be a cat cadaver plugged up in the Catalytic converter or tail pipe
Good Luck and CUL.. Don S..

[ March 21, 2003, 03:18 PM: Message edited by: Don S ]

[like2wheel]

Thanks for the info. I have done/checked some of the items you listed but not all. I will try this over the weekend maybe. I also appreciate the links. They were great. It did have a cat in the exhaust. I dont know how it got there but I removed it.

[Brown Bear]

low fuel flow or pressure is my best guess. Mine did the same thing till i installed an electric fuel pump, now all taken care of.