help

[nickclark59]

my 1979 SC coughs and splutters when warm. It will not tick over and has a bad throttle response. any ideas?

 

[chrishak]

I'd put my money on an air -leak.

 

[robinforsyth]

I had similar, changed leads, plugs, cap and fuel filter.
been running great since.

 

[dij999]

If only when warm could be perished induction manifold seals (or other leak on induction side) making SC run very lean. Can test by cautiously spraying 'cold start' onto them (not into the air intake as you might normally) - if there is a leak the engine will run faster momentarily as this fuel is sucked in and mixture becomes less lean. I had this issue - no easy fix though as requires considerable disassembly of induction system. Not the only possible cause but these flexible seals between the K-Jetronic metering unit and the inlet manifolds (there are 6 of them) are prone to deterioration with time. Let me know how you get on.

 

[Old and Slow]

Sounds like most of the causes have been identified above: perhaps start with a new in-line fuel filter, then consider the plug leads (mine were breaking down inside the metal screening). The cold-start valve symptoms of failure are usually the opposite - tickover far too fast.
There is a possibility that the fuel is stale; apparently the E5 additive evaporates more quickly than other volatiles so if you haven't run the car for some time (months rather than weeks) perhaps mixing some fresh fuel in the tank might help. The E5 absorbs moisture, and as it evaporates it leaves the water behind, at the bottom of the tank. (Although I have to say, I've never had this problem myself).
Would be good to hear how you solve this one.