1988 88 special sitting for 3 years. Needs choke to run. Help please

[appleo]

Loking at a 1988. 88 special ...was setting for years......

Compression 4x95
Spark 4x

Took coaxing but started with key pushed in....longer I held the rpms grew faster.
Soon responded to throttle control. Fast slow........not real well but responded
but still needed key presssed or engine would die

I'm sure gas is old...built in tank

Any other theories?

What is next course of action,?

Danny

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: 1988 88 special sitting for 3 years. Needs choke to run. Help please

I think your lucky it started and ran with 3 year old gas. Get a small can and make some fresh pre-mix and stick a hose in the can then to the motor. See if it runs better with fresh gas.

You said "looking", so I think that's about it. After you buy it, we'll have more suggestions. Good luck.

PS - Don't forget the muffs!

 

[mars bar]

Re: 1988 88 special sitting for 3 years. Needs choke to run. Help please

Your fuel has little or no octane, first issue, Varnish? moister in tank? Hold down the choke usually means mixture problems but I would first try fresh gas and some "SeaFoam" cleaner in the running carbs and follow directions for the tank amount. Stuff is fantastic.

 

[appleo]

Re: 1988 88 special sitting for 3 years. Needs choke to run. Help please

My mistake. I was pressing the key.....is that choke or is that fuel prime?

 

[nwcove]

Re: 1988 88 special sitting for 3 years. Needs choke to run. Help please

My mistake. I was pressing the key.....is that choke or is that fuel prime?

same deal.