Hello

I have an '84 242 Turbo that when starting, hasa belt that's whining quite loudly. It continues to whine even after being warmed up and when attempting to drive, it will not hold an idle - it juststalls right away when letting off the gas. So with the belt whine, I thought it could just be the alternator, and maybe it is, but everytime it would stall, I could always get it started again.
Any suggestions?
Thanks!

 

Sounds like one of the belts. Press your thumb in middle of belt. Should be tight and give about 4-5 mm. Otherwise, find the tightening mechanism and tighten it.

 

Ok, so figured out the belt whine...just power steering - no problem there.
What's happening now is that when I start the car, it still does not hold an idle and it backfires when giving it gas. I just changed the spark plugs, air filter. Thinking maybe it could be the timing? Or is it possible it's something with the turbo?

 

Check ignition timing first.