Carbs & the such

["scoutnad" <scoutnad@domain.elided>]

Binders,

Since returning from Charlotte last weekend, I've had a very rough running
truck, something like this.  Very difficult to start, in that the engine
will turn over, hit about 1200 rpm, and then quickly taper off & stall out.
After going through this routine a few times, I'll push the gas down a bit,
start it and get it up to 1800 rpm or so, hold it for about 60 seconds, and
then let off.  Idle then holds at about 900 rpm, the engine shakes, and the
exhaust is really foul smelling.  To engage first gear with this cold engine
requires high rpm, maybe 1500 or so, or else it'll stall out.  When I shift
up through the gears, the power drops way off as soon as I hit the next gear
and the rpms drop, but the power returns all at once after the rpms come
back up.

Once warmed up, idle is rough at 1300 rpm or so, but I sense no power loss,
even just after shifting.  When I shut the engine off, it diesels worse than
any other gas engine I've ever heard - about 15 seconds or so if I don't let
the clutch out to stop it.  (By the way, this is a 345 with a Thermoquad.)

I'm thinking that the carb is on its way out, so I called the parts store to
ask about what numbers I'd have to read off the carb to order a rebuild kit.
After getting a list of about a dozen numbers, I looked under the hood and
found a "9218S" stamped in the lower corner, nearest the driver's seat.
"9218" was one of the numbers given to me by the parts store.  (Matt P - any
thoughts?)

Before I go through a carb rebuild, can anyone shed any light on whether
this is likely to be my problem.  (I know many of you, and you know who you
are, will say something like "replace the thermobog."  Realistically, I've
never had any real problems (other than a bum choke) either on-road or off,
so I'm not planning to replace it.)

Any input will be appreciated.

Joe Costanzo
'79 Scout II