1989 Jeep Wrangler YJ review from North America

Enigne runs rough.

Always smells of fuel.

I recently purchased a 1989 Jeep Wrangler. I only paid $4000.00 for it and I'm having a lot of fun with it. I live in the desert in Arizona and am not sure if the heat plays a problem with the way it runs or not. Ever since I got it, it seems to run really rough. Always smells of fuel and if I drive it around town awhile, it has trouble starting, and acts like its flooded. I had the carb rebuilt and that seemed to help, but only lasted a few months. We don't have a problem with the smog police in Az which is probably why there are hoses (Vacuum, etc) missing everywhere.

Because I live in a small town, you never know who to trust when it comes to mechanics. I was thinking of replacing all the fuel lines, but am not convinced that is the major problem. I read about the 89 carbs being crap so now I'm thinking I need to start there. Is replacing the carb something a weekend handyman can do? And where would you suggest purchasing one?. I'm not a big fan of JC Whitney, or some of the other mail order companies. Any other ideas?

Thanks

Bill Reynolds.