that it's colder, removing the air filter, shoving a heavy 1" diameter, 6" long bottle filled with liquid and resting it on top of the air inlet so as to get a little air in doesn't work any more.

now the economy fuel gauge sits 100% to the red right.
without even attempting to start it or putting a key in.

only after 2 people trying to getting it started various ways, and, then it does start, will the gauge move 100% to the black left.

Overhaus Motors in Dallas says it doesn't sound fuel-related particularly, rather, some sort of air intake issue.

i'm thinking a vacuum issue?

when it DOES start after many tries, quite a bit of dirty exhaust comes out back.

thank you guys for responding.
:_
kaye