Ok, Total noob question here.  Kind of learning as I go along.

 

So I've had my 83' DL 1.6 for several months now.  She only has 95K (original miles/ I'm the second owner)  Had a lot done to her.  Recently she started sputtering when idling at a stop light and when I start her up she is idling too high and sounds like she is back firing when i press on the gas.  

 

Any ideas?  Any advice from those of you who are more knowledgeable than I am is much appreciated.

 

V/r,

Doogie

Do you know if your car is a feedback model? (Does it have an o2 sensor)

 

With what you describe, its probably a vacuum leak. Listen for hissing hoses that have slipped off or cracked. Theres 2 common leak points coming to mind: the one for the stove pipe control, and one thats teed from the purge line to some sort of idle compensator on the air cleaner. They are often dislodged when the air cleaner is removed.

The manifold vacuum ports are on the passenger side theres also one large one for the brake booster on the driver side. Follow the lines coming from these.

Might as well check the plug wires make sure none are cracked or popped loos.

If all checks out then the intake manifold gaskets need looked at. You will know they are bad if they look like melted tar oozing down the top of the head.

Having high idle, I'd say check the PCV valve vacuum hose first. It's a start.

Edited June 4, 201510 yr by ennbenn72