Fuel systme troubles

[AK_Eagle]

I recently bought an '83 eagle wagon and I am learning that I have quite a few kinks to work out. Here are the symptoms:

- Starts right up but dies as soon as I shift it into gear.
- If it hasn't been warmed up thoroughly, it is not uncommon for it do die at an idle as well.
- The whole vehicle shimmies when I shut it off and acts like it wants to start back up again. Takes a bit for it to actually turn off.

Contributing Factors?

- Electric choke does not work.
- The vacuum hoses are a snarled up mess. Some are plugged off, some are just not connected at all.
- I do not know when the last time the carb was cleaned out or replaced.

Any diagnosis? Thanks.

[n9xvt]

is the timeing correct? that would make one or two symptoms,,possible that advance is not getting vacumme,,other wise yep vacumme leaks/misrouting,,and possible carb problem,,sounds like choke anyway,,and to chime in is there and vacumme diagrms anywhere? maybe a basic it'll run right and these add 4X4 and those for heat?,,

[AK_Eagle]

How do I check the timing? I was able to track down a vacuum diagram on Eaglepedia that looks like it should make things a little easier. Much easier than the tiny one on my car. Where should I start? Timing, vacuum, carburetor?

[IowaEagle]

I would sort out the vacuum mess first.  Yes, I think we have most of the engine vacuum diagrams in the AMC Eaglepedia.

[n9xvt]

timeing is easy to check,,but i have to agree on the vacume lines being done first,,seeins the spark advance is vacume operated,,i cant say for sure on amc engines<i am still a newbe to them,,but have 18 years turning wrentches under my belt> and please correct me if i'm wrong,,to check timeing one has to have a timeing light ,,after that its real easy,,for a check just look the spec up <underhood data plate> and unhook the vac advance <low on side of dist.>,
hook up the light find a clear spot to see the gague in the crank end <do a dry run with the engine off> and thats about it the light just hooks to battery for power and has an inductive pickup that goes on plug wire <#1>,,