My lil buddy has been showing some stress the last few weeks.

1. Tac is all over the place while idling

2. exhaust leaking into cab

3. low idle is cutting out at stop signs

4. backfiring everytime you let up

5. missing in high gear going up hills

 

I am going to replace plugs, wires, cap, rotor. Check bushings on distributor change if needed, change timing belt and adjust, patch or replace exhaust, clean carburetor.

 

What is my best option for the exhaust? I want a whole new system and looks like im going to have to build it.

 

What is the best product to spray into the carb while running to get some gunk out?

 

Is there anything else I should do or look at to remedy these issues?

first off, do you have a EA81 or EA82

 

Cause you mention changing timing belt.

 

 

That is not even possible on a EA81

HA!! That certainly answers some questions. It is an EA81. 86 Brat.

This is my first Sube and it has been quite the experience so far. I love this vehicle. I am really looking forward to to getting it running absolutely perfect. I have some basic mechanical skills that I would like to expand on and the brat seems like a perfect vehicle to get started on. It seems that this forum is very knowledgeable and resourceful. I hope that I am able to contribute

 

Tonight I did the plugs, wires, and adjusted the throttle a little bit. I was idling at about 800 rpms and bumped it up to 11. It is kind of hard to tell with the bouncing gauge. I feel like a carb rebuild and timing adjustment would allow me to set the idle lower...... I'm glad You responded otherwise I would be looking for instructions to find out how to put this timing belt on which NAPA gave to me. The backfire is a little better but I really need to get the whole exhaust newly manufactured.

Vacuum leak?

backfire plus missing are most likely related. You are not firing sending unburnt fuel into your exhaust. You did wires plugs cap and rotor. Did you give the distributer shaft a little wiggle? If you didn't, do it and if there is any play replace it (a little up and down play is normal, you are just looking for side to side slop). There are several cars in Denver junkyards that would have a distributer for you. If that checks out okay, check your timing. The carb should be adjusted properly at the same time as timing, you want your idle @ 800 to 1000 when you set timing. Set your mixture first, then the idle, recheck the mix, etc till it's right. Then timing. I think spec for timing is +8 degrees, you can certainly go a little higher (10 or so). Then set the idle again if need be.

That's where I would start.

And if you have a little money to sink into this car, consider an aftermarket weber carb to replace what came in your car. Will eliminate a lot of trouble.