'83 Rabbit sputter start & loss of fuel economy... Help?

[83Wabbit]

Good Day,

My '83 Rabbit Convertible is having some issues.

I am experiencing a very difficult start. It sputters for a few beats and dies. After a few tries, it will run. Even once oil is warmed up, it acts like it will stall upon first roll too. This has not always been the case for me, it was strong until last couple of months when it began on gradual decline. Accompanying this issue is a terrific loss in fuel economy and occasional gasoline smell. I adjusted gap on aftermarket perf. plugs (very white).

What are your best guesses?

I know that I have to replace heater core also...

Thanks,
Aaron

[BlackBlur]

Two things cold start injector or leaky feul line , maybe somewhere between fuel pump And cis relay pump?
Might be a line But if motor is colf you will see it right away.

[BlackBlur]

One other thing , it a convertabe, ever cought with top down?. Check for rust in the fuse box. the rabbit models have a rubber hose under vent of hood, it gets cloged. backs up leaks onto fuse relay. check it