randomly running rough

[AE82 FXGT]

hey guys, my AE82 has been running real rough lately , I can't really explain it, sometimes it runs sweet and will go what I think is normal. Other times it will have a real rough idle (at around 500rpm) generally sound real bad and loose heaps of power (like it won't pull at all) . I'm going to replace the fuel filter soon (any hints or tips anyone?). I think it might be the ignition timing; due to limited funds should I get a timing light or should I invest in some new leads?
It's a bigport 4age if that makes a diff.

Thoughts?

[MINTFX]

Odd, By running rough what do you mean? Missing? Cough/splutting? Mine ran sh*t slow sometimes and then ran sweet sometimes, found out it was a faulty fuel pump. The fuel filter is a piece of piss to replace, I think I paid $35 for one from repco and took 2mins to swap in the new one, filter is in the engine bay which is easy to get to.

[AE82 FXGT]

Odd, By running rough what do you mean? Missing? Cough/splutting?

Not sure, haven't heard a car thats missing, but i think it may be, there will be sudden drops in revs when idling, and when the clutch is fully in and I give the accellerator a quick stab sometimes it dies.

Maybe fuel pump, I'll look more into it.

[$CENSLS1$]

mmm...one of these problems...usually the type that take the longest to figure out.Basically you just have to keep searching until you find the problem.Leads,fuel filter,plugs,dizzy etc...

Goodluck

[MINTFX]

Make sure there is spark coming from each sparklead. Shuv a screwdriver up the end the sparkleads 1 at a time, move it next to the chassis and see if it sparks, make sure you dont put it too close to your hand as it zappz you (I found out the hard way ) If its sparking fine then it isnt the ignition, Next thing... Take the top pipe off the fuel filter and see how much fuel it is pumping out, turn it over quickly so that not too much fuel comes out, if theres only a slowish load coming through then its most likely a faulty fuel pump as the injecters need 50-60(?)psi to run sweet. Let us know how you get on.

[badidas]

lmao anyway dude firstly just because it has spark doesnt mean a lead might not be fecked pull a lead off at a time and check resistance witha multi meter and or try swapping a spare lead ie put it on one drive it put it on 2 ect ect
to check fuel flow u need a gauge not flick the key "oh fuels there thats ok" try temporary (if your poor/jew ) take the filter out and swap it for a peice of pipe see if that makes a difference if so then go buy a filter
pul all the plugs out and have a good look if ya dnt knw what too look for google sparkplug faults or sumthing

[overkill]

check for possum teeth sized vacuum leak. maybe a split in the intake pipe somwhere where there are those "folds"

could just be opening on acceleration/throttle

[THA SHZ]

this may sound silly , but its not , have u checked ur oil level lately ?