James, what a discovery - good for 'ol Click & Clack. Same thing
happened to me a few years ago and I should have spread the word around
like you just did...I just wasn't on this list then. This applies to an
HIF6 too. I'm using a single HIF6 on my Mk2 Sprite and it is definitely
sensitive to the damper oil level. I use the dash pot oil that M+++
sells.....is there a good alternative??
Jack
-----Original Message-----
From James Gruber [mailto:thistle_3619 at yahoo.com]
Sent: Wednesday, August 27, 2003 7:07 AM
To: spridgets-digest@autox.team.net
Subject: How to make more HP from your Spridget
I just discovered one of the simplest things about making a Spridget run
better. Bugsy over the past number of months seems to be idling faster
and faster. Yes I'd attributed the problem to an air leak around the
front throttle shaft. Now after a trip of 150 miles on Saturday and
another 75 miles on Sunday Bugsy would not idle below 3000 rpm. A tip of
the hat to "Click and Clack" on NPR on Saturday when a caller discussed
problems with her TR3 and idling quickly. Discussion went into the
merits of SU Carbs and making sure dashpots are filled up and the
problems with high idling speeds if you don't. Suddenly the light bulb
clicked on and ably armed with a auto tranny fluid I topped off the
dashpots. Well idle immediately dropped down and the change in idle
speed from 800 to 200 rpm is another story for another day. To my
surprise when I got Bugsy back on the road I suddenly discovered that
Bugsy's engine no longer hit the proverbial brick wall at 4500 rpm. A
lack of power was!
evident
above 4000 rpm and I'd attributed it to all sorts of different things.
Now engine pulls strongly and very briskly up to 5500 and feels like its
well able to go for more. Unbelievable, feels like I increased power by
15-25% on the top end. Evidently lack of fluid prevents carbs from
opening all of the way up. Not knowing the mysteries of the way SU's
work that's all I can surmise.
Now I need to get that tuning guide out,
http://members.core.com/~ckotting/tuning.html and go through the rest of
the tune up procedures to make Bugsy really perform and to smooth out
the idle.
Moral of the story, check your fluid levels. Not just oil and water.
Jim Gruber
Bugsy '68 Sprite (future Bugeye in disguise)
Dayton, OH
/// unsubscribe/change address requests to majordomo@autox.team.net or try
/// http://www.team.net/mailman/listinfo
/// Archives at http://www.team.net/archive/spridgets
|