my 84 GL 4x4 wagon seems to be running rich.the gauge goes fairly fast,but at 60 MPH you can SMELL that it is running rich(mild exhaust leak).That and it hesitates when ever I touch the gas, for a split second or so then it goes.which kinda makes for a jerky ride.

 

can this be fixed for cheap or would I be better off ignoring it and the crappy MPG until I can buy a weber?

may i recommend fixing the fact that your breathing your car's noxious exhaust as you drive it priority one. c'mon dude, if you can smell your exhaust at 60mph that's not minor.

Maybe it isn`t Running too Rich, Did you Notice Black Fumes when you Press the Gas Pedal? ... if So it is Rich, but if not:

 

1. it Could be an Open Hose from the Gas Tank, the one that let it "Breathe"... (I Don`t know its name in English, but I Hope that You`ll Understand) ...That Hose comes from the Tank to the Engine`s Room... That could be the cause of the Smell, Also a Leaking Carb could be too. is its Base with Red Varnish?
   
2. Dirty Carb + Dirty Spark Plugs + Dirty Air Filter Element can make any car to Run Rich...
   
3. The Leakin` Exhaust Fumes goin` inside the Cab...
   

So I Suggest to Check That First. it is Important to Verify if Really your Subie Blows Black Fumes when you Press the Gas Pedal...

 

A Weber Carb is Really Great for Those EA Engines, but You must be Sure that You won`t have Troubles due to Emissions` Laws.

 

Good Luck!

First the exhaust leak you have may simply be making the situation seem worse than it is. Depending on your set up there are alot of resons for a rich condition. You notice the smell most at a higher speed under deceleration (Im assuming due to the leak). Check to insure your air filter is good, while you are there check to see if your choke moves freely. You will also have to check the choke after the car is warm to ensure it does open fully. If you have a feedback model something in the system may not be functioning as it should O2 sensor one of the solenoids etc... A slight rich condition in certain fases is not uncommon for a carbed vehicle and a slight smell from time to time may not be too big a deal. (like when cold) But if it is overpowering in the cab you WILL need to repair the exhaust leak.