Been a few days since my last update so here goes.
Summary in a nutshell, running down the road testing suspension and car
sputters and dies. Battery depleted, but is brand new and was ok at
purchase so it definitely ran down after purchase.
Charged up the battery.
Cleaned up contacts on alternator
Changed connectors on lines leading to alternator
(reads 12 volts at alternator without disconnecting - will do the real
test tomorrow hopefully)
Battery terminals and the grounding strap verified clean and tight
New spark plugs - old ones were fouled black as night
Cleaned sediment out of carb float bowls and flushed out
New spark plug wires
Points to be checked for proper gap and general condition
Car starts and runs better but still not right. I know I need to check the
points and timing and carbs probably need adjusting. The big question of
the day refers to the carbs.
Two symptoms:
After running for about a minute noticed gas coming out the top of the
front float bowl. I suspect my poor to non-existent gaskets here, but will
flush the jet to verify no blockage and take a look at float level. This
is a new problem after working on cleaning out the float bowls. That's why
I suspect that the gasket has finally given up the ghost.
I'm getting a backfire on revving the engine. This seems to be from the
front carb. This same carb has a piston that sticks a bit from time to
time - only when I force it all the way up with my finger. Using the pin
on the side it snaps back nicely. Anyway, is this backfiring the result of
the mixture being too rich or too lean? And a second question, should I
consider a carb rebuild on both carburettors? I'm almost tempted to buy
completely new carbs to start fresh, but then I look at the price. :)
Anyone have a pair in great shape for very reasonable? Like the cost of a
rebuild? :)
As always, many thanks for any advice. This list is really a life-saver in
both technical advice and words of encouragement.
Philip
1974 Damask Midget - Arioch, Lord of Chaos
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