Runs good...starts missing...and then..

[livinginthepast]

...starts running good again!

So I'm driving the BE this morning and as I'm waiting at an exceptionally long light, the engine starts missing. I had to step on the accelerator a little to keep it running. I drive about a quarter of a mile (I was close to home) and like magic, it starts running smooth again.

I get it home and do some quick checks...all *seems* okay. Check the plugs - running a little lean (which doesn't surprise me - it has been lean for a couple of weeks now, after playing with different needles in the carbs). So I turn the adjuster nuts out a flat or so, close the bonnet and go out for a drive around the neighborhood. All remains normal.

Any guesses on what may have cause the missing?

Thanks!

 

[jlaird]

It could be many many things. I could list stuff for you to check forever, most of which I have had happen to me.


Give it a go again and see if it was just a carb to lean.

 

[davester]

As Jack inferred, this could be a very long list. My suggestion is to live it up since it seems to be running fine now.

 

[jhorton3]

I've had that happen to me sitting at traffic lights after a good run. I think mine was a condition of pressure regulation, and to some degree a bit of vapor lock because the fuel supply lines may have been a little too warm.

 

[Sarastro]

Well, if it keeps working, then there's no need to go further. My gut feeling, however, is that this will happen again.

I've had this problem, but much worse. Here is my story of it, and what I did about it. Might be useful if the problem persists.

 

[JPSmit]

one other possibility might be crud in the line or in the tank

 

[livinginthepast]

Thanks all. It ran fine today, but then I only drove it a couple of miles.

Steve - I'll review your story. My gut tells me I haven't heard the last of this...

 

[livinginthepast]

Is there any chance this is connected to the generator in some way?

I ask because I noticed the tach making noise again today - this time I can hear it coming from the generator - not behind the dash. Just a tick-tick-ticking. I also noticed that the tach is not reading correctly (engine sounds like 2500rpm..but reading 4000, idle reading at 1500, but the multimeter reads about 700 rpm). The engine continues to run relatively well, but given everything, I'm wondering if the tach/generator issue may be connected to the engine mysteriously running rough and then fixing itself.

Thanks!

 

[jlaird]

Sounds like it is time to lub the tac cable, might as well do the tac gear box while you have it apart.

 

[SilentUnicorn]

I had a similar problem starting my car up the other day. turned out to be a sticky float.

m

 

[Sarastro]

I doubt that the tach problem is related. It sounds like the tach is just sticking a bit. The cup and pointer part is pretty delicate and easily starts to drag or stick. The little watch spring it uses might have come loose; that's another possibility. If you're good at mechanical work with small parts, it's not hard to take it apart and clean and lube everything. The alternative is to get a new one on eBay, where they go for $30-$50.