Very frustrated with my 308!!!

When I start it up in the morning I'm running on 7 cylinders. 1/2 mile down the road the dead cylinder clears up and she ( it is a she isn't it? )runs well.

I need a few good ideas here........
Thanks in advance.

P.S. I bought it new in 1983 and she's run flawlessly ever since!

 

I would first check spark plugs and ignition leads..

 

Spark or Fuel issue?

 

Check plugs, plug wires and extenders.

The extenders are known to break down and begin arcing to ground down inside the tube. You can sometimes find a burn mark or even a small hole in the side.
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Check your vacuum lines for cracks.

 

After all fails above If it helps, you may need ingition boxes. That's what I had to change on mine. Your situations sounds similar to what I was experiencing. They don't last long, and if yours are 15 yrs old, they are probably due. If the case, change both. Changing the bad one will only upset you in 90 days going back to change the other one. Good luck

 

I have some long and short ones. Only about 1/4 inch difference. Does it matter? Also, what are ignition boxes?

 

On my GT4 I was fouling spark plugs with long engine idle warm ups. Now I let warm just enough to circulate oil and then drive gently until engine is warm.

 

Could be a head gasket sealing issue. Small amount of coolant gets into one cylinder combustion chamber, causes poor running in that cylinder, engine heats up and burns off coolant and the thermal expansion reduces the seal leak. See if your coolant level is lowering, even a little, over time.