Running rich

My '79 with the 258 appears to be running real rich. I have adjusted the carb, changed plugs and wires and no change. It was suggested by a friend that I might have a vacuum leak causing it. Can this be a cause? What's the best way to chase it down if it is?

 

I think Sparky's "Cutting out at cruising speed" thread had some suggestions in it. If it's a possible leak at the carb base, spray some starting fluid around it and see if you get any jumps (or something to that affect).

 

X2 the rpms will go up if there is any leak from the intake gasket or the carb base or anything like that. As far as any other vacuum leaks it is mostly just having to track down all the vacuum lines and check them all.

 

Just found why no power. Plug wires 2 & 3 reversed. No backfire, smooth idle, but no power. Interesting. Going to take it for a ride and then I'll get the starter fluid out.
Thanks guys.

 

If the plug wires didn't fix it, and you have no backfire, smooth idle, and it doesn't have any power, it is most likely an intake or carb gasket leak, or a vacuum leak in one of the lines. Let us know how it turns out.

 

Power came back with switching the wires. Looks like all is good. Thanks.