TR2/3/3A Engine stalling and backfiring

[Redoakboo]

I have just finished a total restoration of my 54 TR-2. I went to a car show last weekend and the engine backfired and stalled several times. I made it to the show. On the way home I drove about two blocks and the engine quit all together. I cranked for awhile and got it running and out of the intersection. It died again and would not start. I had to call AAA for a tow. The plugs looked good, I could see no leaks around the carbs. While trying to restart it the choke cable became disconnected.Good oil pressure 50-60 when started. Dropped when it got warm to about 20. I have not checked the timing recently, ran good when I first drove it; could have slipped? No smoke out the back when starting?

Dick

 

[NutmegCT]

Did the engine start normally when you first left for the car show? Then the problems began during the drive?

One thing to check: did the distributor come loose in its mount? If the distributor itself rotates, that would totally screw up the timing.

Tom M.

 

[Geo Hahn]

Just to be double-darn sure, perhaps you might verify the plug wires are in the correct order... 1342.

 

[CJD]

Also very similar to how a bad condenser acts.

 

[mezy]

Possible damp in distributor cap, pop it off and have a look if its a bit dewy in there, also check the rotor arm cap for cracks.

 

[LarryK]

Backfire out carbs, too lean, backfire out back. Timing might be off. Check distributer as mentioned.

 

[Sarastro]

It sounds to me, also, like a bad capacitor.

 

[Redoakboo]

Did the engine start normally when you first left for the car show? Then the problems began during the drive?

One thing to check: did the distributor come loose in its mount? If the distributor itself rotates, that would totally screw up the timing.

Tom M.

Distributor was tight. Dick

 

[Redoakboo]

Just to be double-darn sure, perhaps you might verify the plug wires are in the correct order... 1342.

They are O.K. and did not indicate running to rich or to lean.

 

[Redoakboo]

It sounds to me, also, like a bad capacitor.

Think the condenser has been in there for 68 years, I did order a new one. Points were O.K.;and new.

 

[LarryK]

Recheck and clean points, bad condensor will fry points.

 

[charleyf]

Recheck and clean points, bad condensor will fry points.

While replacing the condensor also replace the coil. Your symptoms are the same as I have had with a bad coil.
Charley

 

[Redoakboo]

While replacing the condensor also replace the coil. Your symptoms are the same as I have had with a bad coil.
Charley

Thanks Charley

 

[sp53]

coil

 

[NutmegCT]

Dick - you started the topic with "I have just finished a total restoration of my 54 TR-2."

What parts of the ignition system did you replace?
What parts of the fuel system did you replace?

Did the stalling and backfiring problem pop up when you first started and ran the engine after the restoration? Or only when you made the drive to the car show?

Thanks.
Tom M.

 

[CJD]

Definitely not the 68 year old condenser, LOL! It's actually been a while since the restoration... just based on his previous posts he has some miles on the car. Funny...I finished my restoration almost 6 years ago now, although it still seems like I "just finished". In reality, my car would be considered "old" now, based on time since the restoration was finished...?!?

 

[Redoakboo]

Dick - you started the topic with "I have just finished a total restoration of my 54 TR-2."

What parts of the ignition system did you replace?
What parts of the fuel system did you replace?

Did the stalling and backfiring problem pop up when you first started and ran the engine after the restoration? Or only when you made the drive to the car show?

Thanks.
Tom M.

I only replaced the points, plugs and most wires. I rebuilt the SU's, new fuel pump. I drove the car about 40 miles to a car club breakfast about 6 months ago, right after I finished the engine. No problems coming and going. I just finished reinstalling the rocker arm shaft to re-torque the head bolts. I never re-torqued them after my first drive. Noticed water had gotten into the pan so I drained and flushed the engine. Added new oil and filter. Found out where the water was coming from as 4 of the heads bolts were only 75 psi. With 105 psi on all head bolts, no more water and I drove it a few miles, backfired a few times. Went to a car show last weekend, only 5 miles away, engine quit on the way home. Had to have it towed.

Checked the plugs, running rich. Compression on all cylinders is 140-145. Have ordered a new condenser and coil, suggested by some of my Forum friends. Choke wire was also stuck in a rich position. The popping did not start when I first drove it.

Dick

 

[bobhustead]

I'm in the condenser or coil column on this one.
Bob

 

[Redoakboo]

Thanks Bob,

Dick

 

[DavidApp]

+ 1 for the condenser.
My TR3A did exactly the same thing a while ago. Re set the points and got a couple of miles then the back firing again. Changed the points and got another couple of miles. Had a spare condenser so I changed that out. It has done 1500 miles since. I did get a condenser and rotor from the Distributer Dr. In the UK as a spare.

David