I was given an 87 Sedan - not sure which engine, it is an hour from me, and I could not get it started yesterday. It only has 72k miles, and the engine seems to be in good shape. It was taken to a dealer where it had belts, plugs and battery and fuel filter replaced. But, it still won't start. The mechanic said the carb was "loading."

He of coarse wanted to put a new carburetor in for $1,000. He admitted it could just be bad fuel that has settled in the carburetor over the months it sat, and that if it ran for a while, with new gas, it might be fine. I would say that there is a mild gas smell in the carburetor, not as strong as I would expect if it was flooded.

It will start and stay running for a few seconds with careful feathering, but then dies. It won't start again unless it sits for a minute or two. I put some octane additive in the tank, and sprayed carb cleaner in the carb, and it would start and actually idle on it's own for a few seconds. After doing this a few times, I got it where I could rev the engine for a few seconds before it died. Once, whlile doing this, it backfired (no loud noise, but a puff of light colored smoke.)

I had a ride issue and had to leave it. Should I keep trying the same things? Any other ideas. If I could even get it running enough to get it to a reasonably priced shop in the area I would be happy. I am willing to pay $350 for a re-built carb, but I can't get it out of the dealer lot to work on it.