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E Type S1 2+2 running problems

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davidtinker

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Just got my E Type running smoothly after many months of rough running and misfires. Having replaced almost everything on the ignition circuit, and retuned the carbs more than 6 times I finally gave up and took it to a garage to be placed on the analyzer.

The results were that the engineer thought he could hear a HT leakage but the analyzer was showing normal and so too showing normal on the timing and fuel mixture. The car came away running a little better with the advice being to change the HT leads and the Distributer Cap.

Then found out that Dist Caps with screw terminals are no longer available ( unless you know better ) so fitted S2 Cap and Lead set. I am pleased to report an Instant improvement and I am now confident that I can go for a run, stop for fuel at a service station, and restart the engine!!

David Tinker. Wales UK
 
Hello David,
if you are of a mind to return the ignition system to original, try www.holden.co.uk for original screw cap distributor caps. Also your post illustrates the underlying belief common to most that poor running is due to the carburettors when the ignition system is the most likely cause. S.U.'s in particular do not go out of tune frequently and just need minimal maintenance; top up the dashpots regularly and clean the piston\dashpot assembly on occasions.

Alec
 
What I would recommend for a S1 E Type is to upgrade the ignition as much as possible. The Pertronic Ignitor conversion for your distributor is a good start. Also get a Pertronic matched ignition coil as further improvement. Stay with the non-screw on distibutor cap and get a high performance spark plug wire set. (good spark plug wire sets are not available for screw-in distributor caps). You will have a much more reliable ignition system and be pleased with the results. Modernization is far more important than authenticity if you drive the car frequently.
 
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