barak181

Actually, I would check the intake manifold for a vacuum leak. What you're describing sounds exactly like a problem I had not too long ago and the culprit was the manifold gasket.

That sounds like a vacuum leak to me. I find the carb cleaner method to be easiest but there's several other methods you could use. Below is a pretty good page about vacuum leaks you might want to check out: http://www.aa1car.com/library/vacleak.htm

Wow, thanks for the link, Peter! I'll give them a call on Tuesday. Now, for the total noob question: Where's the dashpot and how do I know if I need a new one?

Ok, my 88 Hatcback (EA81) needs either a new carb or a rebuild/overhaul. I'm not going to pay a mechanic close to $500 to do something that I'm fairly sure I can do myself. Thing is, I've never actually worked on a carb before. First question: Is it wise to do it myself without someone looking over my shoulder the entire time? Two: What's more feasible, a rebuild or getting one from the junkyard down the street? Thanks in advance for any advice!

Appartently so. Quite commonly.

I found original EJ-22, EA-81, and EA-82 service manuals available for download! http://www.ch601.org/engines.htm

Well, you were absolutely right. The choke is shot. I might have to go to the mechanic for this one...althought I am toying with the idea with getting a carb from the local junkyard and seeing what I can do myself. BTW, I couldn't find a vacuum leak so I'm going with the idea that the choke is the root of all evil.

The first few times that it starts it'll die right away. (I pump the gas a few times before I turn the key then start it without my foot on the gas.) Then when it does turn over I'll pump the gas and rev it fairly high. Then it settles into a low/rough idle. If I press the gas again after it settles into the idle, it'll stall. This gets repeated a few times until it idles normally. If I have time after all of this, I'll let it idle to warm up. Otherwise, I'll hit the road and hope that I don't piss people off too much stalling at that first intersection. Like I said, once it's warm it's all good. Like if I have to go to the store or something: Starting up at home is a beast but starting up again when I'm leaving the store is fine.

Hi all! I just found this site, it is awesome! Now, please bear with me if I ask some stupid questions throughout - while I am mechanically inclined, I don't have much experience. I have a 1988 GL Hatchback 4WD. (From what I gather on the site that means an EA-81 engine.) I bought it this past spring. I've had a repair shop do some work and I've done some myself. I'm inclined to do more myself to keep the repair bills from piling too high... Anway. Since the temperature has started to drop it has become an absolute beast to start. It takes at least 5 min of cranking to get it to turn over. Sometimes 10 min. Then another 5-10 of restarting to get it to idle without stalling. Then it will usually stall when I try to leave the first intersection I stop at. Once it warms up, it runs great. I tried adding an additive to the fuel to absorb any moisture that may be in the lines. Any ideas or suggestions?