My friend has a 74-2002 that is having trouble starting and running. When it does start, it is running rough with lots of backfiring. I assumed it just needed a tune up which we did but the problem just keeps getting worse. I have done a complete tune up with new plugs rotor, cap, oil, and filters except plug wires; I have even partially rebuilt the carb and gone over its adjustment. I suspect it’s the alternator, of course we are working on the car in front of his condo and he has crappy tools. So before I pull out his alternator and get it checked is it a possibility that a bad alternator will make his car run rough? His starter is also starting to sound a little funny from trying to start it so much. Also his battery is less than a month old. I don’t have volt meter and of course its far way from my house so I am always missing something. any help would be appreciated.
Thanks
Anthony

If the alternator was bad the car would stall out,atleast thats what happend to mine when i came to a complete stop.

yes the car is stalling out at stops

couple of things...
where is it backfiring? out of the carb or exhaust?
how old is the coil?
is this new or a result of something else, e.g.:
what did you two mess with before it started backfiring?
did you play with the advance on the dizzy or the mixture setting?
why does your friend, who ownes a 31 year old car, live in a condo sans a garage? (had to ask)

(the car in my profile is not the only one I own, I'm currently fixing/breaking a '70 240z so I've lived this problem)

its backfiring out of the exhaust and when I messed with the mixture it seemed to be running rich (I think the carb is an aftermarket webber). As the problem gets worse it seems to act more like its misfiring. Part of the problem is I don't drive the car, he only calls me when its running badly. As for my friend, he has a garage but is full of junk and he bought this car because he thought it was cool and if he had any problems I think he figure I could always help him....................uhhhg friends.

The alternator, when it dies, usually has a bad rectifier and your charge drops to around 9 Volt. If the ignition is good and it does have a capacitor and the RPM dont drop too low,it will fire OK.

Random Popping form the exhaust is a sign of 1 cylinder out, possible missfiring. And it will accelerate poorly too. If it pops from the intake or constantly form the exhasut its the timing thas is off.

If you mess the mixture up it will run OK especially when rich, but the perfomance will not be there + the other issues. It will start and drive on its own thoug. If its too lean it will start harder and will miss, and there might be possible backfire from the intake.

What kinda ignition on the car? Check your points first and timing, then play with carb. Do the alternator rebuild too if possible.