Volvo RWD 120-130 Forum

Hi All,

My newly rebuilt carbs (thanks Tom Bryant in Maine) aren't getting to prove themselves since I am running on only 2-3 cylinders.

When I pull the plug wire from the #1 and #3 cyls nothing changes, though they are definitely getting a nice strong spark (so its not coming from the ign side, right?).

I pulled the plugs out and #1 was totally oil soaked. #3 looks bone dry.

I have replaced the standard ign stuff [ipd-cap/rotor/condenser/plugs/upgraded wires/points/coil/fuel pump/carb rebuild/oil+filter change] adjusted the gap (though I should probably recheck that). Battery is fine (though the ALT/AMP? red dash light is on-it's got a Bosch 3 wire [generator?], yet another project)...

When I rev it up it seems to get better, but it's hard to tell at higher rpms if there's still a misfire.

The smoke doesn't start right away, but comes on after a couple minutes of idling.

This car hasn't had new tags since 1997 (12 years ago)...so I am thinking that it hasn't seen much sustained action in that time (I actually had to redo the gas tank due to rust).

Do I just need to get it out and stretch out it's legs? Is there anything I need to do before I take it out for a beating? Would out of tune carbs screw anything up in a major way (I think I've got them in a pretty close tuned-state)?

Should I do a compression test?

ANY IDEAS? Please ask questions, I can answer with moderate accuracy. I might also post a link to a YouTube video so you can see it first hand. Will update with link later.