engine runs well...finally

[rdssdi]

After years of being disappointed with my engine run quality, it appears to finally be sorted.

I had timing problems which were never diagnosed (bouncing timing mark). It took a small water pump leak and the installation of a Dave Bean cassette pump to discover a major problem. The highly recommended and experienced engine builder's over zealous use of gasket sealer clogged some ports in the front cover. Apparently the timing chain and gears were not receiving sufficient lubrication and wore prematurely. Along with the cassette pump and included new front covers we replaced all the chains, guides and gears. An expensive proposition.

Even after all that I was not happy with the engine run quality. I considered the CD175 carbs an issue so I took the air pistons out and adjusted the needles. I confirmed the proper jet height and reassembled the carbs. I read somewhere that 90% of all carb problems are ignition. I thought that funny but possibly prescient. I replaced the rebuilt ( with Pertronix ignitor installed) original distributor with a new "plug and play" Pertronix vacuum advance distributor including new wires and .6 ohm Pertronix coil.

To my great surprise the engine runs well needs little or no choke to start and appears to run cooler. On my drive today the temperature did not exceed around 80 deg C which is cool for my car. I do not know the actual temperature as my gauge reads high. Not a very hot day here today so my exuberance will be on hold until I drive on a hot day.

A few more items and my car will be sorted out and fun to drive. Took long enough.

My 1968 TVR Vixen is at the upholstery shop and will soon be completed. I also had problems with the rebuilt distributor for the crossflow engine and installed a "plug and play" Pertronix distributor. The engine ran great. That really prompted me to do the same in the Lotus.

Now my only issue is the reliability of those Pertronix distributors.

Bob

[vernon.taylor]

Salut Bob

Good to hear a success rather than a problem. I'll keep the Pertronix distributor in mind when I get round to electronic ignition.

Why did you choose the Dave Bean cassette pump rather than the cheaper (I think) Burton Power solution ? Maybe location but I can't remember where you drive.

Bon route.

Vernon

[rdssdi]

I live in the U.S.. I was not aware of the Burton Power unit.

Bob