i was test driving a '74 2.0 last night and was wondering about something in particular. he says it has always been this way but when you first go to turn it on it starts up for about 3 seconds, stalls and then the next time it starts right up with no problem. this doesnt seem to be much of an issue but i was wondering if it indicates anything in particular. other then that and the smell of oil from the leaky push rod seals it wasnt to bad. ohh, also the odometor hasnt worked in the last 20 years so all i know is that it has over 100,000 miles on it and its all stock. any thoughts?

Sounds familiar. Many of the speedos, most of the clocks need a rebuild at this age. FI problems are everywhere. Many folks have put carbs on their cars for this reason. Personally, I like my d-jet, it stumbles and chokes from time to time, but seems reliable enough. My car is a fun car, not primary transportation. It is usually a good idea to go through the FI, replacing clamps, putting clamps where they are missing, renewing the hoses, etc.

I would check the car for rust issues in the all the usual places. The rust is hard, the rest is relatively easy. Just time and money, but much less time than rust.

Good luck,

w/ Gary. I found this to be true with my car.

QUOTE

it starts up for about 3 seconds, stalls and then the next time it starts right up with no problem.

If I turn the key on & off 3 or 4 times (w/o starting it) it charges the fuel system & stays running once I turn the key all the way & start it.

..b

Just looked at your blog, you know rust........

Something is wrong. My car (stock '74 2.0) runs like a brand new car - starts normally in any weather and pulls clean under any condition.