So I thought It was old distributor caps/rotors, but after installing new rotors and caps, The problem was still there- 15-20 seconds before starting, then a very sluggish idle, alternating between firing on all eight, then dropping off and sounding like it's hitting on only four, then three, then six, then back to eight, accompanied by a strong smell of unburned gasoline. This came on one morning as I was accelerating briskly between stop signs. I've not done anything else than replace caps/rotors.

Could it be an old fuel pump/ clogged filter? Or someting more sinister?

Hello and welcome to the forum! What model is this in reference to?

modeleccentric, a partially clogged fuel filter is a distinct possibility. When was it changed last? The recommended replacement interval is 60,000 miles.

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Fred Hoelzle

Have any of the wring harnesses been replaced on your pre-1995 M119?