Here's the scoop... `76 2.0 - start it up, idles right at 500 and tries to stall.

After warming up for 5 - 10 minutes, and driving for another 10 - 15 the idle will FINALLY creep up to 1100.

This had me thinking aux air valve. We removed it, cleaned it, checked connections and functionality... it's fine. Still doesn't fix the problem.

Also note the car feels like its running on three cylinders!

I started pulling the plugs tonight (after letting the car cool for 2+ hours) and am unable to comfortably remove the two rear plugs. Feels like they are still WAY too hot... does this engine take THAT long to cool?

If still not plugs... any other things I could start checking?

Thanks in advance!

plug wires, points and condenser. cracked cap.

before you pull your hair out...

check that the MPS holds a vacuum.
Make sure all your vacuum lines are attached.
If the MPS is bad, it will run like a pig, it wont idle correctly, and it will idle high when warm...

Aside from that...clean and reset the ignition.

rich

I had a similar problem with my 76 2.0.
Intake manifold was missing 1 bolt and the others were loose.

Check for vacum leaks.