Seriously need some help here. I have a 1987 Dodge Raider with a 2.6L and a 5 speed. My primary vehicle broke down and I'm having to use the raider till I get it fixed. Yesterday on the way home from work the engine started surging and lost power. This happened going up a long hill. It chugged and sputtered all the way home, especially when going up hills. My automotive troubleshooting skills are limited. I don't know if my fuel pump is going out, I have a clogged fuel filter, a timing issue or what? Any advice you could give would be greatly appreciated

There is a metal tube coming from the charcoal canister which is behind the passenger side headlight. Follow it to the carburetor. Disconnect the hose from the metal tube,and then put something in it. I used an old drill bit. Anything to plug it. The metal tube can be left open.

Now, test drive it. Is it fine? Great! You just plugged a leaky bowl vent valve. The result will be slightly more difficult hot starts, and sometimes dieseling. Carb rebuild kits don't include the valve, and they aren't available anywhere I know of.

Give it a shot, its very very very very common on the 2.6 with that carb