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Hello,
First off I have bought this recently (1980 Spitfire) and am hampered that I don't have any previous owner info but it does look like the carb was rebuilt and there is a new fuel pump. The only way I can get the car started is with a shot of starting fluid and then it won't idle. On a test run with it, there is a lack of power.
Here is what I have done, so far:
1. Changed plugs. Original ones were the wrong heat grade.
2. Plugs are covered with dry soot, so either poor spark or too rich mixture.
3. Verified timing marks and rotor position by removing valve cover, plugs and rotating engine by hand to determine TDC
4. Timed best I could but rpms were like 1500 to keep it running.
5. Distributor is an Allison XR-700 and lined up optical slot with rotor position to fire.
6. Tested spark. Not having done this is decades, I thought it looked weak. It was more yellowish than blue. Yes??
7. Compression check. All 4 cyclinders were between 150 to 155 psi, so okay there.
Some other details: ZS 150 carb with a manual choke but if choke is closed then engine shuts down. EGR missing, so the emissions system is not really in place.
Other info: Putting my finger in the air throat on the carb I can not raise or move the piston. I have ordered a rebuild kit, needle and adjustment tool from Moss Motors.
I have ordered a new coil from local parts store.
So, what else should I try and am I on the right track? It seems like I might be chasing 2 problems - one ignition and the other fuel delivery.
Thank you in advance to all who read this and reply!
First off I have bought this recently (1980 Spitfire) and am hampered that I don't have any previous owner info but it does look like the carb was rebuilt and there is a new fuel pump. The only way I can get the car started is with a shot of starting fluid and then it won't idle. On a test run with it, there is a lack of power.
Here is what I have done, so far:
1. Changed plugs. Original ones were the wrong heat grade.
2. Plugs are covered with dry soot, so either poor spark or too rich mixture.
3. Verified timing marks and rotor position by removing valve cover, plugs and rotating engine by hand to determine TDC
4. Timed best I could but rpms were like 1500 to keep it running.
5. Distributor is an Allison XR-700 and lined up optical slot with rotor position to fire.
6. Tested spark. Not having done this is decades, I thought it looked weak. It was more yellowish than blue. Yes??
7. Compression check. All 4 cyclinders were between 150 to 155 psi, so okay there.
Some other details: ZS 150 carb with a manual choke but if choke is closed then engine shuts down. EGR missing, so the emissions system is not really in place.
Other info: Putting my finger in the air throat on the carb I can not raise or move the piston. I have ordered a rebuild kit, needle and adjustment tool from Moss Motors.
I have ordered a new coil from local parts store.
So, what else should I try and am I on the right track? It seems like I might be chasing 2 problems - one ignition and the other fuel delivery.
Thank you in advance to all who read this and reply!
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