[Miata] FW: Running rough after storage

[Richard M Sorrentino]

Here is a problem from one of my club members. Your advice would be
appreciated.
Dick and Saph 10 AE



I haven't had a chance to diagnose this problem but I thought I would ask
people on this forum before I started inspecting things.

Our 2001 Miata was stored last fall with a full tank of fuel and fuel
stabilizer added and the battery was removed.  I put the battery back in two
weeks ago and started the car - it fired right up.  Last night I went to
take the car out of the garage where it was stored.  I turned it over but it
would not fire up.  I boosted the battery and it did start up although it
ran roughly.  I took the car out to the driveway and let it idle.  About 5
minutes later it stalled but started right up.  We took the car for a ride
around the block and at every stop sign it seemed to want to stall (but
didn't every time).

I took the car home and it ran a bit rough.  Once at home I opened the hood
and held the throttle to a fast idle (about 1500 rpm).  It ran smoothly for
about a minute then it would stumble and run smooth again.  This rough
running would repeat itself for the next few minutes.  It was getting late
so I shut it off and decided to have a look at it over the weekend.

Any ideas what may be going wrong?  This weekend I will drain and refill the
fuel, install new plugs and generally check wires, vacuum lines and do an
engine scan to see if any codes have been recorded.
Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks

Vic