1985 2m4. Been sitting about two years.

Likely bad gas, but want to run this by you guys to see if I'm missing something:

~Put stabilizer in the old gas, has about 1/2 tank of old crap. Filled with new gas in an attempt to dilute.
~Primed the fuel system. (Am getting fuel through the injector.)
~Have spark. (Didn't test strength of the spark, but can see it in broad daylight.)
~Compression was good when I parked it two years ago.
~New Battery.
~Cranks fine. Pops and sputters. Attempts to start. Sounds like it's close to running, but no dice. Tach reads 200-400 sometimes higher RPM. Attempting varying positions of the throttle, too. WOT, closed, somewhere in between.

Had to stop and let the starter rest, as it was heating up. Can anyone confirm/deny bad gas? Or should I be looking at another reason it won't start?

I would be more concerned about fuel pressure. Have you replaced the filter?

Use starting fluid to confirm spark is good. Watch out for flames shooting out of the Tb, however. If the car goes on starting fluid, figure the fuel delivery is not good.

quote Originally posted by Gall757: I would be more concerned about fuel pressure. Have you replaced the filter? Use starting fluid to confirm spark is good. Watch out for flames shooting out of the Tb, however. If the car goes on starting fluid, figure the fuel delivery is not good.

Fuel's coming from the injector in a conical mist, if I watch it with the air cleaner cover open. It's a little "clumpy" for what I'd like in a mist from an injector. Filter's new though. Starting fluid got an okay response from the engine, though it won't keep running on the gas. (White smoke from gas burnt.) Guessing water in the gas. Also - drained some gas directly into a clear container to check color, there's no way it's good. It looks like apple cider and does not smell remotely normal. Am going to attempt to drain the tank and fill with new gas, will try starting more tomorrow.

[This message has been edited by Ravant (edited 03-09-2014).]

I have an 85 2M4 that sat for 7 years before I bought it. I have it running great now after a different gas tank and new fuel pump and new fuel filter. I also removed and completely cleaned the throttle body. On a gas tank that is left less than full the water condensation can really rot the gas tank.

Am letting the gas drain now. I'm really hoping I don't have to drop the tank, as the only two days I have to do the job are going to be ridiculously cold. Not a fan of NY weather. There's a reason I moved out, lol.