Accord starting problems

I have an 87 Accord Lx 4dr auto carb.
Recently replaced spark plugs, wires and dist cap. some problems it has that ive gotten used to are when it does start and idle the rpms seem to climb on their own and eventually its idling at like 3000. Sometimes while driving if you let off the gas to slow down the car will die (seems to me the car doesnt down shift while slowing down or something doesnt engage to keep the rpms at 1000ish.) these are problems ive gotten used to though.
Heres the problem: somedays my car just doesnt want to start. I get in and turn the key and the car just cranks. Eventually if I get lucky enough it starts making ga-dunk noises like it wants to start but cant. I hold the gas pedal down and just keep cranking and sometimes the car finally starts and idles like crap. Once the junker warms up it runs fine. Timing belt shot? Bad Fuel pump? I have no idea

I have almost the ame problem. Running fine, sputtered and died at as light, and hasn't sdtarted since - 2 days ago. Tryes, but no luck. Anyone know what to try first?

That sounds like a blown headgasket, or your distributor is bad. Do you have any smoke comin out of the exhaust. And when your rpms climb, do they drop back down low and do it all over again? if so, then your head gasket is blown, sorry.