good evening,my 69 sprite is really acting up and i'm about to go nuckin' futts. it barely runs and when it does it's not good,i get pops thru the exhaust & intake,will not take any acceleration,misfiring,moving distributor has no effect.points,condenser,plugs,cap,rotor,wires,coil,timing chain are all new.the 1275 engine only has 43k miles on it.dry compression checks @ 120 psi on 3 cyls.& 115 psi on 1 cyl. valve lash is set @.012 cold.need some help,any id-ers out there? i'd appreciate it thanks bob

How are the carbs set up. Too lean will produce the same results.

Chokes stuck/closed or a clogged fuel pump will do something similar?

Did this just start happening? If yes, then what was done immediately before it started running poorly? Check your firing order on the plug wires. 1-3-4-2. If the distrbutor cap is a side entry cap, it is very easy to cross two of the wires. BTDT.

You might also inquire under the Spridget section.

worth checking the carbs and any in line filters in the fuel system. I had a similiar issue after I had ran out of gas on a test run. Looked like I picked up some junk and now I'm chasing it out of the system.

Could also be a leak on the tank side of the pump, sucking air?

Does sound like fuel if it fires right off...

Good luck

Michael
55 - BN1

john, thanks for the reply.i had put all the tune up parts in the car,and it was running fine,then it took this dump and thats when i changed the timing set.to no avail. bob

thanks to all who have responded,keep the suggestions coming.bob

i'll check that thanks

have plenty of fuel,but will check chokes thanks

it does'nt change either way.thanks

If it is firing back through the exhaust and carb then it is sparking at the wrong time,check your distributor cap and rotor for cracks ,could be an internal short ,if you still have the old ones try them,

Make sure the condenser wire is not shorting out -- it must be insulated from ground usually with a fiber washer.

thanks guys will check it out.

good news,got her running about a week ago.put in a pertronix ignitor module & flamethrower coil,new plugs,re-set distributor drive in engine, re-adjusted carbs,re-set valve lash.she starts and purrs like a kitten.thanks to all for your help!

That's one way to fix a car! Just replace everything and not worry about what was really wrong! I like your approach!

Isn't that what the dealer usually does!?! (Seems to be a dealer goal to replace as many high $$ parts as possible... even if it only needed an inexpensive part or an adjustment...)

At least it is running again!!
& I have to admit that sometimes it does seem to be more cost/time efficient to just replace EVERYTHING that could be defective. Probably will need it eventually anyway!

"Cheers!"
-Bear-

Having spent many years in GM and Ford dealers, I've seen some real Bozos attempt to fix cars... It seems that fewer guys want to pursue this illustrious carreer anymore. More than a few of these guys were illiterate to boot! The shotgun approach to fixing cars is not necessary if one has knowledge, tools, and equipment at their disposal. One perception problem I see often is in the scenario where some CPA or other cubite rebuilds his project over several years, joins a club, and is approached by guys who admire their beauty machine and mistakenly assume these cubites are gurus... and these guys get the Ego thing, head rush, and start giving out advice.... lots of it incorrect or misleading(mostly because their info is based on a "strong Feeling" instead of professional experience or engineering data).Like asking an LVN how to do heart surgery... And the inquirer has no inkling that he is the blind being led by the blind.....

Ah yes!
I have to agree that truly good & HONEST mechanics are getting harder & harder to come by.
And yes, many of the responses posted on this forum are simply the amateur opinions of weekend mechanics...
But given that, the opinions & advise shared here CAN frequently aid other weekend mechanics in solving their particular problem.
If nothing else, it is good to know that others enjoy the same joys and frustrations of owning these old British cars.
"Cheers!"
-Bear-

..........and my intention here is only to help from the perspective of a professional with much training and many years of experience. The fact that I tout my credentials, although interpreted as offensive, is intended to lend credence. I had a mentor once.... John Bamberg... a Rolls-Royce Master. He took me under his wing while I was barely in high school.... He was very knowledgeable, and became a good friend. Because I was able to check in my pride and ego, and listen to the master, I gained a great deal of knowledge and work ethic from him that I still use today.... even if working on a 2002 Mercury Sable. John died during the 1984 holidays.... I sorely miss him even today.

Sherman,
It IS good to have someone on here like yourself who has years of experience!

I just want to be sure that everyone feels free to share their opinion w/o fear of feeling like they are being "shot down".

THAT SAID, I can understand your frustration when you see unsound advise being dispensed...

THANKS for your contributions!

Working together we will all help to keep this hobby alive, a little more affordable, and fun!

"Cheers!"
-Bear-

Wow - Thanks for setting us straight. For a while there I was getting worried.
D

You would have responded to me more favorably had we conversed in person.... The lack of body language gestures, eye contact, facial expressions, and voice tone and inflexion do not lend themselves to a very fair assessment ...Peace brother!

Hi Sherman,
I'm sure that you are correct & I apologize. Let's just pretend that this discussion never happened, & I'll never mention that I might be a CPA.
Dave

RT
Forum Mod

If you know half as much about taxes as you do about Healeys, racing engines and motorcycles, I'd be happy to have you prepare my next return.