Where do I begin to end this thread? After all the things I've tried and all the help I've gotten diagnosing the problem, it turns out it was "fuel starvation". I know the purest are not fond of an electric fuel pump but buddy, it did the trick! If you look under my hood you'd still see the mechanical fuel pump but with a fuel pressure gauge before it. FYI 4# is the magic number for the old Rochester to be able to keep up. I know the danger of the electric pump so I put a "redundant" switch after the ignition switch to be (what I feel) is safe. I drove "RUSTY" for the first time a little over 2 miles after installing the new pump and adjusting the valves (thanks SWEET AND FOURBRADS) then I came back and adjusted the valves again and went for another ride. He's running and idling like my grandmother's singer sewing machine!
To keep with originality, if and when I rebuild this 216, then and only then will I go back to mechanical fuel pump. "It's only weird, if it doesn't work" (BUD LITE)
Thanks to all you guys, you know who you are, for hanging with the Stovebolt Rookie and getting me on the road.
Now all I need to do is put the brakes on and tires and see some "flowers" popping up! Come on spring!!
