I know it is a total newbie question, but I am a total newbie with engine work so bear with me.
I pulled my plugs last weekend and read them. They were sooty with some carbon deposits, indicating that the car is running rich. Also, the air filter smells of gas, which would coincide with a rich mixture.
I don't think it is too bad because I'm getting about 19-20MPG, but it could be leaner. My first question is, where do I start? Given that I am a total newb I'm looking for basics here, like I suppose I should check the timing. I'm sure the carb is a bit out of tune so I could try rebuilding it, but I've never done it before. I had replaced all of the ignition components (plugs, wires, cap, rotor) a year ago when I first got the car. The car starts a little hard, but once it smooths out it idles and drives nicely.
The other question is, since the plugs are basically brand new I would like to continue using them. Is there a good way to clean them off so that I can read them again after making adjustments? I've tried lightly wirebrushing them with a stainless steel brush but they are still pretty sooty.
Jason
I pulled my plugs last weekend and read them. They were sooty with some carbon deposits, indicating that the car is running rich. Also, the air filter smells of gas, which would coincide with a rich mixture.
I don't think it is too bad because I'm getting about 19-20MPG, but it could be leaner. My first question is, where do I start? Given that I am a total newb I'm looking for basics here, like I suppose I should check the timing. I'm sure the carb is a bit out of tune so I could try rebuilding it, but I've never done it before. I had replaced all of the ignition components (plugs, wires, cap, rotor) a year ago when I first got the car. The car starts a little hard, but once it smooths out it idles and drives nicely.
The other question is, since the plugs are basically brand new I would like to continue using them. Is there a good way to clean them off so that I can read them again after making adjustments? I've tried lightly wirebrushing them with a stainless steel brush but they are still pretty sooty.
Jason