Ok, so I got the car ('78 Spit) running relatively well now. I think my
stumbling problem was vapor lock in the fuel lines, so I insulated all the
fuel hoses in the engine bay (from where it enters the engine bay to the
pump to the rear carb and the crossover to the front carb). Also put a
couple layers of insulation around the float bowls to keep them cooler.
I drove the car Friday to get an inspection sticker (got it, so now I'm
totally legal and don't have to test drive under cover of darkness
anymore!), but the stumbling came back. But it took a lot longer - 8-10
miles to the other side of town. Once out on the open "highway", it seemed
to run more smoothly, like it had cooled down a bit. But it's definitely
still stumbling.
So now, I'm in the process of fabricating heat shields that will mount to
the carb/intake manifold, using the carb mounting bolts to secure them
(you've all seen them, many of you have them - well, that's what I'm doing).
I will also put a layer or two of insulation (a layer on each side,
probably) on these shields. If that doesn't cure my stumbling problem, I
don't know what will. This will probably be the most insulated Spitfire
engine on the planet! ;-)
Anyway, seperate problem cropped up on the way home. I had gotten out on
the state highway where the speed limit is up to 55 and I was doing about
60. I looked down at my speedo and just as I did, the needle dropped to
zero. It was nice and steady when I looked down and then just dropped like
a rock. If the cable had broken, I would have expected the needle to bounce
a bit as the cable was weakening. Any clues anybody??? I'm fearing a gear
down near or in the gbx broke, which would (I think) explain the lack of
warning. What say you, Spitfire experts??
Thanks,
George P.
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