Rough idle, loss of power, where do I start looking?

[Bobby Pootz]

Pulled out my 84 305 truck from sitting about a couple of weeks, upon start up, some darker than normal smoke came out of the exhaust and the enigine is rough now, like I cammed it (but I didn't), and there's a loss of power. Like it's shuddering trying to gain speed.

I'm quite the rookie but would like to see if I can fix this before turning to a shop.

Any ideas what this could be? Bad plug? Distributor?

Thanks in advance!

Rob

[f.monroe]

First thing i would check is the choke flapper. See if it is opening . if not it will run rick, lope like a cam , blow black smoke, and run bad. If it is closed you can reach in and open it with your hand.

[Sabaka454]

double check your firing order

[Bobby Pootz]

Originally Posted by Sabaka454

double check your firing order

Yes that was the problem!

One of the spark plus wires touched the exhaust and burnt out.

Quick wire change with Accel 4049 spark plug wires and she's good as new!

Thanks folks!